Nov 3, 2026 · open seat
Michigan - Governor
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Jocelyn Benson won the August 4 Democratic primary with 83.2%; Trump-endorsed John James won his with 50.1% over Perry Johnson. Libertarian Anthony Hudson is also running. Republicans last won here in 2014.
JB
Jocelyn Benson
Democrat - Age: 49
Secretary of state since 2019 and former dean of Wayne State University Law School.
Wikipedia →JJ
John James
Republican
Army veteran and congressman since 2023, after two Senate losses. Worked in his family’s logistics company. Would be Michigan’s first Black governor.
Race overview →
Who's ahead?
CookLEAN DSabatoLEAN DDDHQLEAN D
Ratings: Cook Political Report (Sept 10), Sabato’s Crystal Ball (Sept 3), Decision Desk HQ (Sept 12). Source →
Benson
49
James
42
Where they stand
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BENSON SAYS
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JAMES SAYS
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Positions summarized from Gander Newsroom, WDIV, WWMT, NBC News and Wikipedia · September 2026
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