By: Stephen Schumacher
February 1, 2025
Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Primary Developments
2026 is a BIG election year in Michigan, and it starts right now. Several candidates have already hit the campaign trail in the Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Primary. Candidates includes Aric Nesbitt, Donna Brandenburg, Kevin Rinke, Mike Cox, and Anthony Hudson, with more likely to enter the race.
Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial general election is shaping up to be quite distinct from prior elections, with Democrat Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan running as an Independent. This makes for a potential competitive three-way general election race.
Michigan is a very purple state. While midterm elections typically swing away from the party in the White House, Republicans have a HUGE opportunity with the Independent run of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who will almost certainly pull more votes from the Democrat candidate than the Republican nominee.
Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat following the retirement of Democrat Senator Gary Peters in 2026 means some candidates with state-wide appeal may choose to run for Senate. Insiders say Congressman John James is considering a run for either Governor or U.S. Senate, and some speculate Perry Johnson, Peter Meijer and Garrett Soldano could also be eying a run.
Expect the gubernatorial race to heat up and evolve after the Michigan Republican Party elects a new Chair in February. Michigan Republicans can FLIP the governor’s office – under control of Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who was elected in 2018.
Meet the Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Candidates
Donna Brandenburg
Donna has spent decades dedicated to building companies, creating thousands of jobs and rescuing animals. She is a non-stop researcher and seeker of truth. As a constitutional conservative, a CEO, an entrepreneur and the owner of multiple businesses—in a variety of industries including; energy, rail, real estate, social work, technology, farming, and agricultural drainage systems, she has a broad base of knowledge both economically as well as practical real-life common-sense experience. She also owns Buckeye, Brown Brother, and Spike Brother Trenchers, which all worked on the border wall under President Trump.
Mike Cox
Mike Cox is a Republican politician and attorney from Michigan. He served as the state’s Attorney General from 2003 to 2011. In December 2024, Cox formed a campaign committee to explore a run for governor in the 2026 election. After his tenure as Attorney General, Cox established The Mike Cox Law Firm, where he notably represented sexual abuse victims in a lawsuit against the University of Michigan, leading to a $490 million settlement. Cox is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an alumnus of the University of Michigan. His wife, Laura Cox, is a former state representative and previously chaired the Michigan Republican Party.
Aric Nesbitt
Aric ran for public office to restore conservative principles in state government and revive Michigan’s economy in the wake of Jennifer Granholm’s ‘lost decade’ – and was elected by his neighbors to serve Southwest Michigan in the State House. Balancing budgets, lowering taxes, slashing regulations and defending family values, Aric delivered conservative results for hard-working taxpayers, limiting government and bringing good-paying jobs to Michigan.
Kevin Rinke
Kevin Rinke is a businessman and political figure from Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and statistics from Michigan State University in 1983. After graduation, he joined his family’s enterprise, the Rinke Automotive Group, where he worked his way through various departments, eventually leading the company to become one of the nation’s most successful private dealership groups.
Anthony Hudson
Anthony Hudson is a blue-collar worker and small business owner in Michigan. He owns and operates a small trucking company outside of Flint, Michigan. Hudson’s blue-collar background is a key aspect of his political identity, advocating for policies that support working-class citizens and small business owners. Hudson earned a lot of grassroots support during his campaign for the Michigan U.S. House Republican Primary in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.
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Visit MichiganRepublicanPrimary.com for information on the Michigan Republican Primary races.
