2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

Aric is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Lawton Community High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hillsdale College. He has a master’s degree in economics and business administration from the Norwegian School of Economics. He lives with his wife, Trisha, and their two children, Catherine and William, in Porter Township, Michigan.

Aric Nesbitt - Ballotpedia

Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt - Gongwer News Service-Michigan

Aric Nesbitt is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Lawton Community High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hillsdale College. He has a master’s degree in economics and business administration from the Norwegian School of Economics. He lives with his wife, Trisha, and their two children, Catherine and William, in Porter Township, Michigan.

Aric is a State Senator. He works at the Michigan State Senate, where he has been since 2015. He previously worked as a legislative director and senior policy advisor for members of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the state coalitions manager at Americans for Tax Reform, and as Michigan Lottery Commissioner.

Senate Minority Leader Nesbitt announces 2026 gubernatorial run

Aric previously worked as a legislative director and senior policy advisor for members of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the state coalitions manager at Americans for Tax Reform, and as Michigan Lottery Commissioner.

Aric currently serves in the Michigan State Senate. He previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Said, "If we’re going to grow as a state and make sure our kids are able to learn, we got to shake up the status quo in Lansing and stop just tweaking around the edges, which is what we’ve seen."

Said, "I’m going to lower the cost of living, increase wages, create better job opportunities... I think we’ve lost that here in Michigan, having a good solid trades education. Those people are actually career ready."

Wants to "burn down Whitmer’s rules and regulations that are holding back job creators."

Wants to "make Michigan a ‘right to work’ state."

Said, "Take a blowtorch to the waste, fraud and abuse in Lansing."

- Said, "If we’re going to grow as a state and make sure our kids are able to learn, we got to shake up the status quo in Lansing and stop just tweaking around the edges, which is what we’ve seen."
- Said, "I’m going to lower the cost of living, increase wages, create better job opportunities... I think we’ve lost that here in Michigan, having a good solid trades education. Those people are actually career ready."
- Wants to "burn down Whitmer’s rules and regulations that are holding back job creators."
- Wants to "make Michigan a ‘right to work’ state."
- Said, "Take a blowtorch to the waste, fraud and abuse in Lansing."

Economy

Nesbitt calls for Michigan State Police second-in-command to be fired after perjury allegation

Called for the immediate resignation and firing of leadership within the state police department, citing alleged perjury and failed leadership.

Supported legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, and advocates for law-and-order policies to protect local families.

- Called for the immediate resignation and firing of leadership within the state police department, citing alleged perjury and failed leadership.
- Supported legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, and advocates for law-and-order policies to protect local families.
- Opposes gun control.

Public Safety

Supported federal inquiries into the state's Medicaid spending to investigate potential instances of fraud.

- Supported federal inquiries into the state's Medicaid spending to investigate potential instances of fraud.
- Opposes abortion access.

Healthcare

Will join "President Trump’s school choice tax credit, so that parents have a real say in their child’s education."

Wants to "Get the woke DEI agenda out of our schools, and increase transparency for parents."

Wants to help every Michigan student be career-ready so they can pursue the American dream.

- Will join "President Trump’s school choice tax credit, so that parents have a real say in their child’s education."
- Wants to "Get the woke DEI agenda out of our schools, and increase transparency for parents."
- Wants to help every Michigan student be career-ready so they can pursue the American dream.

Education

Opposes the state's renewable energy mandate, advocating for the use of nuclear and natural gas to lower costs.

Advocates to "Repeal the Democrat’s Green New Scam to lower our energy bills."

Wants to "Stop Whitmer’s job-killing EV mandates."

Will ensure communities have local control of energy projects.

Will finish the line 5 tunnel to lower costs and make Michigan energy dominant.

Wants to "fix our rural infrastructure, expand energy infrastructure and production, and connect all of Michigan."

- Opposes the state's renewable energy mandate, advocating for the use of nuclear and natural gas to lower costs.
- Advocates to "Repeal the Democrat’s Green New Scam to lower our energy bills."
- Wants to "Stop Whitmer’s job-killing EV mandates."
- Will ensure communities have local control of energy projects.
- Will finish the line 5 tunnel to lower costs and make Michigan energy dominant.
- Wants to "fix our rural infrastructure, expand energy infrastructure and production, and connect all of Michigan."

Energy & the Environment

Will "Stand with President Trump and ICE to deport dangerous illegals from Michigan."

Will "Ban sanctuary cities, and end taxpayer benefits to illegals."

- Will "Stand with President Trump and ICE to deport dangerous illegals from Michigan."
- Will "Ban sanctuary cities, and end taxpayer benefits to illegals."

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Supports requiring photo identification to vote.

Wants to "Protect our way of life by promoting family, faith and patriotism."

- Supports requiring photo identification to vote.
- Wants to "Protect our way of life by promoting family, faith and patriotism."

Voting & Elections

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Aric Nesbitt

As of May 1, 2026, Aric Nesbitt’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Graham Shirley

John James is a West Point graduate and military veteran who served eight years in the U.S. Army as a Ranger-qualified aviation officer. He earned a master's degree in supply chain management from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. He resides in Shelby Township, Michigan, with his wife and three sons.

John previously led his family's automotive supply chain business, James Group International.

John James (Michigan) - Ballotpedia

John currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th Congressional District, having first been elected to the office in 2022. He is running as a Republican candidate for Governor of Michigan in the 2026 election.

Supports phasing out the income tax in Michigan.

Plans to audit state government expenditures, eliminate "wasteful" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs, and ensure fiscal responsibility for the benefit of Michigan families.

As a U.S. Army Reserve, secured basing of F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, creating hundreds of jobs in Macomb County.

Said, "I’m the only candidate in this race who’s actually cut your taxes."

Supports the Trump administration's "No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime" policies.

- Supports phasing out the income tax in Michigan.
- Plans to audit state government expenditures, eliminate "wasteful" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs, and ensure fiscal responsibility for the benefit of Michigan families.
- As a U.S. Army Reserve, secured basing of F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, creating hundreds of jobs in Macomb County.
- Opposes property taxes.
- Said, "I’m the only candidate in this race who’s actually cut your taxes."
- Supports the Trump administration's "No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime" policies.

Proposes establishing an independent commission to audit all COVID-era enforcement actions, including citations, license suspensions, and shutdowns.

Supports refunding or canceling fines for small businesses that were penalized under COVID-19 mandates.

Opposes policies that restrict access to guns.

- Proposes establishing an independent commission to audit all COVID-era enforcement actions, including citations, license suspensions, and shutdowns.
- Supports refunding or canceling fines for small businesses that were penalized under COVID-19 mandates.
- Opposes policies that restrict access to guns.

GOP rivals rage as John James misses governor debate to vote in ...

Advocates for requiring parental consent for all medical treatments administered to minor children.

Supports rolling back confidentiality protections for minors in medical settings, ensuring parents have access to their children's full medical records.

- Advocates for requiring parental consent for all medical treatments administered to minor children.
- Supports rolling back confidentiality protections for minors in medical settings, ensuring parents have access to their children's full medical records.

Plans to pursue a constitutional amendment to make the Governor directly accountable for Michigan’s education outcomes.

Supports "literacy-based promotion" by restoring Michigan’s 3rd grade reading retention law.

Supports vocational training, saying "Every student not headed to college or military service will graduate with a trade certification, professional license, or career-ready portfolio."

Supports pay increases, performance bonuses, and public recognition for great teachers.

Opposes the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports, restrooms, and locker rooms designated for women.

Plans to bring mentors from the trades and private sector into schools and support innovation built around the real needs of young men.

Supports mandating civics education, including the Pledge of Allegiance, a civics test, and debate, in Michigan schools.

- Plans to expand charter school options.
- Plans to pursue a constitutional amendment to make the Governor directly accountable for Michigan’s education outcomes.
- Supports "literacy-based promotion" by restoring Michigan’s 3rd grade reading retention law.
- Supports vocational training, saying "Every student not headed to college or military service will graduate with a trade certification, professional license, or career-ready portfolio."
- Supports pay increases, performance bonuses, and public recognition for great teachers.
- Opposes the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports, restrooms, and locker rooms designated for women.
- Plans to bring mentors from the trades and private sector into schools and support innovation built around the real needs of young men.
- Supports mandating civics education, including the Pledge of Allegiance, a civics test, and debate, in Michigan schools.

As of May 1, 2026, John James’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes undocumented immigration and supports "[ending] the Biden Visa Waiver Program," stating it has been "abused to facilitate illegal entry into [the] nation."

Opposes open border policies created under the Biden administration.

Said, "The United States is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. The millions of illegal migrants pouring through our borders and legal immigration are two separate issues."

Believes sanctuary cities, cities that prohibit local police and government officials from enforcing federal immigration laws, are illegal and must be de-funded.

- Opposes undocumented immigration and supports "[ending] the Biden Visa Waiver Program," stating it has been "abused to facilitate illegal entry into [the] nation."
- Opposes open border policies created under the Biden administration.
- Said, "The United States is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. The millions of illegal migrants pouring through our borders and legal immigration are two separate issues."
- Believes sanctuary cities, cities that prohibit local police and government officials from enforcing federal immigration laws, are illegal and must be de-funded.

Supports the "Citizens Only Voting Amendment," which would mandate U.S. citizenship for voting in Michigan elections, require voter identification at polls, and enforce regular reviews of voter rolls to eliminate ineligible voters.

- Supports the "Citizens Only Voting Amendment," which would mandate U.S. citizenship for voting in Michigan elections, require voter identification at polls, and enforce regular reviews of voter rolls to eliminate ineligible voters.

YouTube

John James

- Proposes establishing an independent commission to audit all COVID-era enforcement actions, including citations, license suspensions, and shutdowns.
- Supports refunding or canceling fines for small businesses that were penalized under COVID-19 mandates.

- Supports phasing out the income tax in Michigan.
- Plans to audit state government expenditures, eliminate "wasteful" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs, and ensure fiscal responsibility for the benefit of Michigan families.
- As a U.S. Army Reserve, secured basing of F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, creating hundreds of jobs in Macomb County.

John is a Congressman. He works at the U.S. House of Representatives as the representative for Michigan’s 10th District, where he has been since 2022. He previously worked as the president of James Group International and served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger-qualified aviation officer from 2004 to 2012.

John James is from Michigan. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children together.

John previously served as a U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district from 2021 to 2023. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020 but did not win.

Mike Cox is originally from Redford, Michigan. He earned his bachelor's degree and his law degree from the University of Michigan. He lives with his wife, Laura, in Livonia, Michigan, and they have four children and two grandchildren. 

Mike is a business owner. He has run his private company for the past 14 years. He previously served as Michigan’s Attorney General, where he reduced the office’s staff by 20% while handling more cases than ever before.

Former Michigan AG Mike Cox announces candidacy for governor

Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox running for governor in ...

Mike is the chief executive officer of The Mike Cox Law Firm, PLLC. He previously worked as a senior counsel at Dykema Gossett PLLC and the director of the homicide unit with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. He served as an infantry rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years. 

Mike Cox is running for Governor of Michigan in the Republican primary on August 4, 2026. He previously served as Michigan’s attorney general, first elected in 2002 as the state’s first Republican attorney general in 50 years and serving from 2003 to 2010; he ran unopposed in the Republican primary election.

Mike Cox - Ballotpedia

Mike previously served as the attorney general of Michigan. He served two terms from 2003 to 2011. 

Supports eliminating the state income tax.

Opposes "corporate welfare," or financial support to businesses.

Supports restoring Michigan's right-to-work law, which prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment.

Advocates for restoring Michigan's right-to-work law, which prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment.

- Supports eliminating the state income tax.
- Opposes "corporate welfare," or financial support to businesses.
- Advocates for restoring Michigan's right-to-work law, which prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment.

Said, "I’ve protected people my entire life, fought and beat the worst of the worst. Let’s not stand by and let radical politicians or woke bureaucrats undermine us any longer."

- Said, "I’ve protected people my entire life, fought and beat the worst of the worst. Let’s not stand by and let radical politicians or woke bureaucrats undermine us any longer."

As of May 1, 2026, Mike Cox’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports school choice, which allows parents to use public school funds to enroll their children in schools beyond their local options, including private schools.

Supports school voucher programs that allow parents to use public funds to enroll their children in schools beyond their local options, including private schools. 

Promises to support teachers with necessary training and tools.

- Supports school voucher programs that allow parents to use public funds to enroll their children in schools beyond their local options, including private schools. 
- Promises to support teachers with necessary training and tools.

As Attorney General, fought against utility companies to reduce costs.

- As Attorney General, fought against utility companies to reduce costs.

As attorney general, helped ban issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

- As attorney general, helped ban issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Mike Cox

Emileigh Crouch

What to know about long shot GOP presidential candidate Perry Johnson

Perry Johnson has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Perry is a businessman. He previously worked in quality control and management within the American automotive industry.

Perry previously ran for governor in 2022 but did not qualify for the primary ballot. He also ran for president in 2024 but suspended his campaign.

Perry Johnson - Ballotpedia

Former candidate Perry Johnson joins crowded Republican field ...

Advocates for the complete elimination of the state income tax and the reform of state property taxes.

Supports cutting two cents out of every dollar of discretionary spending across government budgets.

Advocates for implementing a state worker hiring freeze, utilizing zero-based budgeting, and conducting a comprehensive "MEGA Audit" of state departments to cut spending.

Advocates for canceling specific state spending projects, including current rail operations and infrastructure funding.

- Advocates for the complete elimination of the state income tax and the reform of state property taxes.
- Supports cutting two cents out of every dollar of discretionary spending across government budgets.
- Advocates for implementing a state worker hiring freeze, utilizing zero-based budgeting, and conducting a comprehensive "MEGA Audit" of state departments to cut spending.
- Advocates for canceling specific state spending projects, including current rail operations and infrastructure funding.

As of May 1, 2026, Perry Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The feud between Perry Johnson and John James just got worse

Republican Michigan governor candidate Perry Johnson files ...

Supports the implementation of stricter voter identification laws.

Supported claims alleging widespread electoral fraud during the 2020 presidential election.

Filed a lawsuit in 2026 against a primary opponent over alleged violations of Michigan election law regarding misleading campaign branding.

- Supports the implementation of stricter voter identification laws.
- Supported claims alleging widespread electoral fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
- Filed a lawsuit in 2026 against a primary opponent over alleged violations of Michigan election law regarding misleading campaign branding.

Perry Johnson

Ralph Rebandt is from Wyandotte, Michigan. He attended Summit University. He has a bachelor’s degree from Summit University and two graduate degrees from Westminster Seminary. He lives in Farmington Hills.

Ralph Rebandt - Ballotpedia

Pastor Ralph Rebandt challenges Dixon pick for Lieutenant Governor

Ralph Rebandt: I'd bring back 'Judeo-Christian' values as Michigan ...

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Ralph Rebandt is originally from Wyandotte, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree in religious education from Summit University in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and both a master's degree in religion and a master of divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. Ralph attends Oakland Hills Community Church. He lives with his wife, with whom he has four children and 20 grandchildren, in Farmington, Michigan. 

Ralph is a pastor. He has served at a church in Michigan for 35 years. He previously worked as a police chaplain in Farmington Hills and Beverly Hills and as chaplain for the Michigan Chiefs of Police.

Ralph currently serves as Founder and President of Michigan Lighthouse Ministries, an organization he founded to mobilize pastors and people of faith for civic engagement. He also currently works as an account executive. He previously served as the founding and senior pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills. Ralph also served as Chaplain for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Southeastern Michigan Chiefs of Police, the Farmington Hills Police Department, and the Beverly Hills Police Department.

Ralph Rebandt previously ran for Governor of Michigan in the 2022 Republican primary and did not win. He also sought the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor at the Michigan GOP state convention in 2022 but did not secure the nod.

Former pastor Ralph Rebandt to seek LG nod at GOP convention

Former GOP candidate Ralph Rebandt launches another campaign for governor

Ralph Rebandt previously ran for Governor of Michigan in the 2022 but did not win. He also previously ran for Lieutenant Governor of Michigan in 2022, but did not win. 

Aims to build the strongest economy in the country by returning to common sense policies, passing transactional gold legislation, and creating a state-backed cryptocurrency project.

Aims to pass transactional gold legislation, and create a state-backed cryptocurrency project.

Supports eliminating property taxes in Michigan and cut corporate taxes.

- Aims to pass transactional gold legislation, and create a state-backed cryptocurrency project.
- Supports eliminating property taxes in Michigan and cut corporate taxes.
- Supporting increasing teacher pay.

Supports law enforcement, community safety, and justice for all Michigan residents.

Advocates for competitive pay and benefits for police officers and community policing programs. 

Supports constitutional gun rights and opposes policies that limit access to firearms.

- Advocates for competitive pay and benefits for police officers and community policing programs. 
- Supports constitutional gun rights and opposes policies that limit access to firearms.

Supports school choice, parental rights, and quality education for Michigan students.

Supports school choice and giving parents authority over school curriculum. 

Advocates for the expansion of vocational and career training.

- Supports school choice and giving parents authority over school curriculum. 
- Advocates for the expansion of vocational and career training.

Wants to reduce farming regulations, and expand markets for Michigan-grown products.

- Wants to reduce farming regulations, and expand markets for Michigan-grown products.

Wants to provide quality healthcare, job training, and support services to veterans.

- Wants to provide quality healthcare, job training, and support services to veterans.

Aims to restore election integrity and protect individual liberties, including free speech and religious freedom.

Supports voter identification requirements and has previously called for a forensic audit of Michigan's 2020 presidential election results.

Supports expanding Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to cover the governor's office.

- Aims to restore election integrity and protect individual liberties, including free speech and religious freedom.
- Supports voter identification requirements and has previously called for a forensic audit of Michigan's 2020 presidential election results.
- Supports expanding Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to cover the governor's office.

Ralph Rebandt

As of May 1, 2026, Ralph Rebandt’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Pavel Tantchev

- The governor is the highest-ranking executive official in Michigan and serves as the head of the executive branch of state government.
- The governor enforces state laws, oversees executive agencies, and supervises all principal departments of the state government.
- The governor has the power to sign or veto legislation, including a line-item veto to reject specific parts of spending bills.
- The governor is elected statewide to serve a four-year term and is limited to two terms in a lifetime. Candidates must be at least 30 years old and a registered voter in Michigan for at least four years before the election.
- The governor receives a salary of approximately $159,300 per year.

The state’s chief executive who leads government and enforces state laws.

Governor

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