LANSING, Mich. — On Tuesday, the leader of the Michigan Senate Republicans announced his intention to run for governor, marking himself as the first notable Republican contender in the race to replace the term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Aric Nesbitt, the State Senate Minority Leader, is the second prominent figure to declare candidacy for the gubernatorial position, which will be contested in 2026. Governor Whitmer has two years left to serve in her final term after winning reelection in 2022, and her departure is anticipated to trigger a series of competitive primaries.
Earlier in December, Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan made headlines by switching his party affiliation, opting to run as an independent in the gubernatorial race, a move that caught many by surprise.
Currently, the Democratic side is still waiting for a leading candidate to step forward. Potential candidates being considered include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Additionally, calls have been made for U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has relocated to Michigan in recent years, to consider a run for the governor’s office.
In a campaign video, Nesbitt characterized himself as a “small town farm boy” who was raised with values centered on “faith, patriotism, and traditional family values.” A Republican from southwest Michigan, he has been a member of the state Senate since 2019, following his previous service in the state House.
Since taking charge as leader of the Republican minority in the Democratic-majority Senate in 2023, Nesbitt has emerged as a highly regarded figure within the party, and his entrance into the race was something many party members hoped for. Other possible Republican candidates include U.S. Representative John James and former state House Speaker Tom Leonard.
Both Nesbitt and Duggan have voiced their concerns regarding perceived stagnation in Lansing, the state’s capital. While the Democratic majority progressed with their agenda in 2023, there has reportedly been a reduction in legislative activity as 2024 has seen fewer session days and legislative proposals failing to advance.
The end of 2023 was marked by chaos in the state House, where Republican lawmakers staged a walkout in protest, and Democrats faced challenges in unifying, particularly with one lawmaker’s refusal to attend sessions.
“Michiganders deserve so much better than what they’re getting from these Democrats up in Lansing,” Nesbitt asserted in his campaign video. He criticized ongoing issues such as increasing taxes, rising state spending, accumulated debt, and an insufficient job market.
Main themes of Nesbitt’s campaign video echoed the successful Republican strategies evident in 2024, which included regaining control of the Michigan state House and securing the state for President-elect Donald Trump.
In his video message, Nesbitt advocated for the elimination of electric vehicle mandates, extended his support for Trump, and committed himself to fostering a revival of manufacturing in Michigan.
