Benson and James battle for Michigan governorship as Whitmer's term ends

Michigan voters face a five-way contest for the governor's mansion on November 3. The race determines who succeeds Gretchen Whitmer, who is concluding her second four-year term. The outcome will shape the state's executive leadership and policy direction moving forward.

Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee, secured the party nomination in August with 1,251,160 votes. She defeated Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who received 252,236 votes. Benson has served as secretary of state since 2018 and announced her gubernatorial bid in January 2025. Her running mate is Winnie Brinks. As secretary of state, Benson credits her administration with improving online services and reducing wait times at branch offices.

John James, the Republican nominee, represents Michigan's 10th congressional district. He announced his campaign in April 2025 and selected Jay DeBoyer as his lieutenant governor pick. James won his congressional seat in 2022 and 2024 after losing two previous U.S. Senate bids. Prior to Congress, he served as an Army aviation officer for eight years and led a supply chain logistics firm.

Three third-party candidates also appear on the ballot. Anthony Hudson, the Libertarian nominee, entered the race in March 2025. The party disavowed Hudson on September 27, though he remains on the ballot with running mate Beau Parmenter. Hudson previously ran for Congress in 2024 and lost to Paul Junge. Donna Brandenburg represents the U.S. Taxpayers Party, paired with Robert Donald Cowper II. She ran as a Republican in 2022 but was removed from the primary ballot over signature fraud issues. Douglas Campbell is the Green Party candidate, running with Bobbie Clay. Campbell has sought office in multiple elections since 2002 without success.

The campaigns have outlined distinct economic and social priorities. Benson promises to make the state more affordable and boost public schools into the top 10 nationally. James focuses on supporting small businesses, skilled trades, and academic excellence. Hudson advocates for eliminating property and state income taxes and halting new data centers and solar farms. Brandenburg seeks to remove property and income taxes while creating a department to cut government waste. Campbell centers his platform on affordability, energy, and public safety.

The election concludes the final year of Whitmer's tenure. The winner will assume the duties of the state's chief executive immediately following the certification of results. Each candidate has fielded a specific lieutenant governor nominee to complete their ticket.