LANSING — Michigan’s 2026 statewide campaigns continue to pick up steam, even more than 20 months out from election day.
According to news service Gongwer Michigan, 2026 is the first year to feature open races for both governor and US Senator since voters started directly electing senators in 1916, setting voters up for an unprecedented campaign season.
Here are the latest developments in both races.
Last week, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his candidacy, becoming the second Democrat to enter the race.
Political analysts pointed out that Swanson, who ran for reelection in 2024, received about 25,000 votes more than Kamala Harris on the same ballot.
“That strikes me as somebody who in in this sort of polarized era can pull votes from at least the middle, and maybe even from Republicans,” said David Dulio, a political science professor at Oakland University.
While a two-party race in a closely split state like Michigan would already draw close attention from voters, analysts say that the campaign is more interesting with the candidacy of Mike Duggan, Democratic mayor of Detroit who is running as an independent.
A poll released this month by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Glengariff Group shows that 63% of voters are very or somewhat open to considering an independent candidate for governor.
“It reflects, I think, the sentiment that runs nationwide in dissatisfaction with the two major parties,” Dulio said. “Mr. Duggan has not only noticed it, but but gone out on a limb, basically, and said, I’m going to give this a shot.”
Other announced candidates include Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Senate Republican leader Aric Nesbitt and Mike Cox, former Republican attorney general of Michigan. Cox previously ran for governor in 2010.
Potential candidates include Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Republican Rep. John James, though neither have made a decision publicly.
On the Senate side, potential Democratic candidates include state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, a metro-Detroit lawmaker, and former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, who claims residence in Traverse City.
On the Republican side, 2024 Senate nominee Mike Rogers says he’s very strongly considering another run, while former gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon has said she might again seek statewide office.
Candidates will have until April 2026 to throw their hat in the ring for either race.