Democratic Candidates: Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s Secretary of State (2019–present) and has officially declared her candidacy. According to the campaign summary, Benson has received endorsements from figures like Mark Schauer, Sean McCann, Jeremy Moss, multiple state representatives, several mayors, public figures, and labor organizations. Benson’s key issues include cutting bureaucracy, creating affordable housing, and ensuring voting rights. As of the latest filings, she has raised over $4.7 million with nearly $3 million cash on hand. Garlin Gilchrist, Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor (2019–present), has also declared. Endorsements, per the summary, include U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and several state legislators. His key issues are focused on infrastructure and public education. Gilchrist has raised over $1.1 million. Marni Sawicki is a former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida, now based in Michigan, and has filed to run both as a Democrat and an Independent. Sawicki’s campaign highlights her past leadership and Michigan roots, with a modest fundraising total reported. Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff (2020–present), is a declared candidate with support from former Michigan Lt. Governor John Cherry, Virgil Bernero, labor groups, and past officials. Swanson stresses public safety and unity in his platform, with over $1.3 million raised. 

Republican Candidates: Mike Cox served as Michigan’s Attorney General (2003–2011) and has declared his run, focusing on right-to-work laws and government spending. Cox leads Republican fundraising with nearly $6 million raised. Anthony Hudson is a truck driver and former congressional candidate. He has declared and reported smaller fundraising totals. John James is the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 10th district (2023–present) and a past Senate nominee. James advocates for positions such as restricting reproductive rights and supporting federal budget reforms. With $3.6 million raised, James is a leading fundraiser and polling leader in Republican primary surveys. Tom Leonard is the former Speaker of the Michigan House, with a background in state legislative leadership. He is endorsed by Tom McMillin per campaign records. Aric Nesbitt, Minority Leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present), opposes abortion rights codification and LGBTQ protections, and supports themes similar to prior national movements. Nesbitt has raised over $2.7 million. William Null is a construction manager noted for being tried and acquitted in the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot. Ralph Rebandt is a pastor and past gubernatorial candidate, reporting over $920,000 raised. Karla Wagner is a political organizer with minimal fundraising reported. 

Independent and Other Candidates: Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit (2014–present), has declared as an Independent. The campaign summary lists endorsements across party lines from public officials, organization leaders, business figures, and labor unions. Duggan’s campaign emphasizes bipartisanship, economic revitalization, and urban development. His campaign has raised $4.4 million. Marni Sawicki is also listed as an Independent candidate, highlighting her leadership history and Michigan connections. This full listing reflects all non-empty candidate filings, as outlined in the official data for the 2026 Michigan Governor election.