Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026

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← 2022
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: Pending
Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Michigan
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up Sabato's Crystal Ball: Pending Inside Elections: Battleground Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2026 Impact of term limits in 2026 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
Michigan executive elections
Governor Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Secretary of State State Board of Education (2 seats) Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats) University of Michigan Board of Regents (2 seats) Wayne State University Board of Governors (2 seats)

Michigan is holding an election for governor and lieutenant governor on November 3, 2026.

To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Governor

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Governor of Michigan

The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Michigan on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Jocelyn Benson (D)
		Garlin Gilchrist II (D)
	Submit photo	Marni Sawicki (D)
	Submit photo	Chris Swanson (D)
		Anthony Hudson (R)
		Aric Nesbitt (R)
		Evan Space (R)
		Mike Duggan (Independent)

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Lieutenant Governor

There are no official candidates yet for this election.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Evan Space (R)

The time has arrived to build economic recovery for the state of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula! Space will push to balance better living conditions for everyone. Knowing prices are high due to inflation, his administration will work to find opportunities for lowering and adjusting to assist in the needs of every Michigander's lifestyle. Evan Space is a lifetime resident of Michigan working as an entrepreneur and 8 year military veteran. He is a Political Science major at GVSU, and WMU, ROTC cadet, who understands the needs and wants of Michigan and the U P. Let Mr. Space become your voice. Make Michigan Magnificent! Join Space's campaign to Governor

The state of michigan has gone through a lot of turnoil. Much of our history is being changed in our state. While new laws that are being written. Evan space will promise to make a recovery effort in safeguarding you're civil rights, and correct faulty courts and law enforcement including the DOC. Schools will become safe grounds once again away from outside influence, education will be readily available for private public and homeschooling. No more history will be erased! Space will safeguard your citizenship as Michiganders and will never impede the 2nd amendment. Our state needs to protect our lives and growth and that is the mission Space plans to do for our state.

Every Michigander wants to have that feeling of waking up knowing the state is becoming stable and that they have money in their pockets and accounts. We want to bring new life to our state, feel involved, and protected. Space understands these needs a balanced Republican Gubernatorial candidate that will provide these solutions. Our state does not need to continue with making anyone feel like that are forgotten. Everyone here matters. From the time you grow up, Space administration wants a positive impact for your chance at life. Opportunities for jobs be there and fix the economy the right way Michigan needs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Evan Space (R)

Good roads, good jobs, good pay, affordable housing, educational needs for everyone's tailored needs and overhaul of the FOC DOC and infastructure of spending including tax relief and eliminations are key components to my building blocks of necessity to the state. I'm a huge participant taker to involving Michigan in the Space Exploration programs and potential launch sites. Filming in Michigan I'll promote and politics will remain neutral in the opportunity. Lastly for much of the damage that was done to the state. With laws, historical sites, and education for everyone. Space will make efforts to correct these faults.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Evan Space (R)

I have had several encounters with 4 Governors in my life and have grown up with two of my childhood icons becoming Governor and acting. Most of my role models are highly motivated and reach to achieve unimaginable goals and success. My Grandfathers would be my biggest role models I follow after.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Evan Space (R)

A Respectable Army The Military Origins of the Republic

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Evan Space (R)

A tribute of good moral fiber is to a character's personal cause to believe and follow. A policy should be on when they look forward to making it better for the people. Space works to promoting transparency for the time in office and developing a good bond with the people of Michigan.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Evan Space (R)

Listening to both sides of the political aisle and other parties involved I bring a chance for the best possible choices to be made in office. My transparency would allow us to rationalize decent decisions.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Evan Space (R)

The governor of Michigan should always consider what is best for the state. Being involved with the community and making decisions that are tougher them most with the choice interest of the best potential outcome aka transparency. The position should have the responsibilities to find the new opportunities evolving available. And what is best?

What legacy would you like to leave?

Evan Space (R)

A broaden Space Exploration program for the state, allowing Michigan the chance to give the Upper Peninsula 51st statehood, and several tunnels connecting Upper and lower Michigan. Creating a economy for Michigan that works.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Evan Space (R)

Mount Saint Helen erupted in the United States and I was just under 1 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Evan Space (R)

I was a window washer, at 8 years old working in the family business and have remained with the profession for over 36 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Evan Space (R)

Good Steven King novel, because it's a good read.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Evan Space (R)

Captain America.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Evan Space (R)

Surfing Bird "Have you, heard, Bird is the word, Bird....

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Evan Space (R)

Never letting any failure or unsuccessful attempt that may occur to keep you down. It is by any disability a person may have visible or hidden that perseverance will always come with those who really try. I have been a pro fighter my entire life and if I have ever lost, it wasn't due to failure. It was meant that match needed a 4th period. I stand as a pinnless wrestler and mma fighter in hundreds of matches and yet if I lost, success is just never quitting.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Evan Space (R)

Being Michigander means snowy blackouts, extreme summer heat, tornadoes, environmental mishaps and security these are the needs of a Michigan and Yooper Governor. Passing reasonable laws and intervention when needed. Being that voice for anyone in Michigan. Lastly compassion and involvement a citizen chosen to lead by example.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

Evan Space (R)

I believe the appropriate degree of involvement with the governor should be appointed to economic advisors. The choice matter of state budgets is a senate involved issues and the Governors position is to make the appropriate decisions best for the state.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

Evan Space (R)

My philosophy is that if it does not fit the best outcome for the proposal and the people, I will not equip and veto unnecessary laws or bills as needed.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Evan Space (R)

Is the workability to work alongside both political parties in making agendas and policies making changes the laws only for the better. The the governor needs to make sure that all legislation that is done in Michigan is presented properly to be voted on and not hidden from the people.

What do you love most about your state?

Evan Space (R)

"Hold my beer while I try something," an infamous measure of Michigan in a slogan of good bad and ugly. Representing the unmeasurable fearlessness any Michigander or Yooper must be to be called one. This is a tough weather personality character of all the great state. I have been drawn here for my lifetime and served a year across seas to protect this land. Michigan is truly unique and wonderful.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Evan Space (R)

The right direction we need to go with fuels and transportation. Electric vehicles must have options available for other means as well. Energy consumption and availability must be attentive. Michigan has extreme weather conditions and power usage must be a priority to make that happen in the right way.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Evan Space (R)

Pete and Repeat are on the edge of a cliff, Pete slips and falls off, who is left?

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Evan Space (R)

During the time only needed when security, infastructure, or environmental emergency are at risk. During times of litigation when intervention must occur for vetos. This should be the core of emergency power.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Evan Space (R)

It is crucial to developing a financial budget that works without overspending and keeping funds available to where we need them. Government accountability is important for they are parts of everyone's daily lives. And should not be misrepresented or used wrongfully.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Evan Space (R)

I believe what is best for the state, and believe a lot of the Michigan needs to remain in the hands of the voting population. Keeping initiative available opportunities to become bills for voting will keep balance to the process.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

Evan Space (R)

With great authority comes great responsibility, and as Governor it would mean that I would uphold the moral fiber and values for the great state of Michigan and the United States of America. Being in that position. I would exercise my rights to be involved with better understanding all walks of life with jobs agriculture education military religion and any other important involvement a Governor may be with.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Chris Swanson
• Marni Sawicki

Voting information

See also: Voting in Michigan

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Michigan gubernatorial election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	3/25/2025	3/18/2025	3/11/2025	3/4/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Toss-up	Toss-up	Toss-up	Toss-up
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Battleground Democratic	Battleground Democratic	Battleground Democratic	Battleground Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.

2022

See also: Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Michigan

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Michigan on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gretchen Whitmer (D)	54.5	2,430,505
		Tudor Dixon (R)	43.9	1,960,635
		Mary Buzuma (L)	0.9	38,800
		Donna Brandenburg (U.S. Taxpayers Party)	0.4	16,246
		Kevin Hogan (G)	0.2	10,766
		Daryl Simpson (Natural Law Party)	0.1	4,973
		Evan Space (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	26
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	21

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,461,972
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan

Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer advanced from the Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gretchen Whitmer	100.0	938,382

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 938,382
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Articia Bomer (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Michigan

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Michigan on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tudor Dixon	39.7	436,350
		Kevin Rinke	21.5	236,306
		Garrett Soldano	17.5	192,442
		Ryan Kelley	15.1	165,587
		Ralph Rebandt	4.1	45,046
		James Craig (Write-in)	2.1	23,521
	Submit photo	Elizabeth Adkisson (Write-in)	0.0	11
	Submit photo	Justin Blackburn (Write-in)	0.0	10

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,099,273
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Perry Johnson (R)
• Michael Markey Jr. (R)
• Bob Scott (R)
• Austin Chenge (R)
• Michael Brown (R)
• Donna Brandenburg (R)

Green convention

Green convention for Governor of Michigan

Kevin Hogan advanced from the Green convention for Governor of Michigan on April 23, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Kevin Hogan (G)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of Michigan

Mary Buzuma advanced from the Libertarian convention for Governor of Michigan on July 10, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Mary Buzuma (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

U.S. Taxpayers Party convention

U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for Governor of Michigan

Donna Brandenburg advanced from the U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for Governor of Michigan on July 23, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Donna Brandenburg (U.S. Taxpayers Party)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of Michigan

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Michigan on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gretchen Whitmer (D)	53.3	2,266,193
		Bill Schuette (R)	43.7	1,859,534
		Bill Gelineau (L)	1.3	56,606
		Todd Schleiger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)	0.7	29,219
		Jennifer Kurland (G)	0.7	28,799
		Keith Butkovich (Natural Law Party)	0.2	10,202
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	32

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,250,585 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Richard Sills (Independent)
• Ryan Henry Cox (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan

Gretchen Whitmer defeated Abdul El-Sayed and Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gretchen Whitmer	52.0	588,436
		Abdul El-Sayed	30.2	342,179
		Shri Thanedar	17.7	200,645

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,131,260
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kentiel White (D)
• Bill Cobbs (D)
• Justin Giroux (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Michigan

Bill Schuette defeated Brian Calley, Patrick Colbeck, and Jim Hines in the Republican primary for Governor of Michigan on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Schuette	50.7	501,959
		Brian Calley	25.2	249,185
		Patrick Colbeck	13.1	129,646
		Jim Hines	11.0	108,735

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 989,525
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Evan Space (R)

Green primary election

Green primary for Governor of Michigan

Jennifer Kurland advanced from the Green primary for Governor of Michigan on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Jennifer Kurland

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Dwain Reynolds (G)

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Governor of Michigan

Bill Gelineau defeated John Tatar in the Libertarian primary for Governor of Michigan on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Gelineau	57.8	4,034
	Submit photo	John Tatar	42.2	2,941

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,975
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2014

Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Rick Snyder/Brian Calley Incumbent	50.9%	1,607,399
	Democratic	Mark Schauer/Lisa Brown	46.9%	1,479,057
	Libertarian	Mary Buzuma/Scott Boman	1.1%	35,723
	U.S. Taxpayers	Mark McFarlin/Richard Mendoza	0.6%	19,368
	Green	Paul Homeniuk/Candace R. Caveny	0.5%	14,934
	Nonpartisan	Write-in votes	0%	50
Total Votes				3,156,531
Election results via Michigan Department of State

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Governor of Michigan official website
• Lieutenant Governor of Michigan official website