Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has launched a campaign to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as Michigan governor, entering what is expected to be one of the most competitive races of the 2026 election cycle.
Why It Matters
Swanson's candidacy comes as Democrats seek candidates who can appeal to broad coalitions in the battleground state. He has emphasized his law enforcement background as a key asset in addressing voter concerns, including crime and immigration.
"As a sheriff, I take care of people. I protect people, I serve and I bring folks together," Swanson said. "We've done that in Genesee County. Now, it's time to do it for the entire state of Michigan and all 10 million people."
His campaign will test whether a law enforcement figure can gain traction within a party that has faced internal divisions over policing policies.
Swanson's entry into the race signals his full transition into state politics after gaining national recognition for marching with protesters in 2020 and speaking at the Democratic National Convention last year.
What to Know
Swanson formally launched his campaign at a community college in Flint on Thursday night. While he remains a well-known figure in Genesee County—about 70 miles north of Detroit—he has not previously run for statewide office.
He will face stiff competition from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a well-established figure in Michigan politics who has won multiple statewide elections and built a strong fundraising network. Swanson, who was reelected sheriff in 2024 with 65 percent of the vote—outperforming Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris by nearly 14 points in Genesee County—will need to expand his support beyond his home base.
A recent campaign stop illustrated his balancing act. Swanson led a press conference announcing an operation that resulted in the arrest of two Honduran immigrants for illegal entry into the U.S, before heading to a jail-based education program he founded in 2020. That initiative, focused on inmate rehabilitation, has been studied by Harvard, replicated by the National Sheriffs' Association, and adopted in correctional facilities nationwide.
Swanson first made national headlines in May 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd. During a protest in Flint, he removed his riot gear and marched alongside demonstrators. He later spoke at the Democratic National Convention, where he endorsed Harris while wearing his sheriff's uniform.
What People Are Saying
Swanson said: "It's time that we have a different type of candidate coming through the system, not just the next one up … People, I think, are hungry for something new and fresh. Certainly, the party is. And I'm that person."
Adrian Hemond, a Michigan political strategist told The Associated Press: "For Swanson, it's really going to come down to whether he has the ability to raise the resources necessary."
What's Next
Michigan's gubernatorial contest will determine a successor to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with Swanson joining Benson in the Democratic primary, while Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II is weighing a possible bid.
On the Republican side, state Senate GOP leader Aric Nesbitt has already declared his candidacy, and U.S. Rep. John James is considered a potential contender. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat, has entered as an independent.
With months to go before the Democratic primary, Swanson will need to establish a statewide presence and prove he can compete in fundraising and voter outreach against more seasoned political figures.
His law enforcement background could be an asset in a general election, particularly as crime and immigration remain key voter concerns. However, he may face skepticism in the primary from progressive Democrats who have called for police reform.
Swanson's path to the nomination may hinge on whether Gilchrist enters the race, potentially splitting votes among traditional Democratic candidates.
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