LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday that she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November's significant losses in the battleground state.

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy, becoming the first major party candidate in Michigan to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov.

The 47-year-old Democrat becomes the third major candidate to declare for the race to replace Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced in December that he would run as an independent and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said earlier this month he would seek the Republican nomination.

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) launched his gubernatorial bid Tuesday, becoming the first Republican to jump into the race ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Michiganders deserve

LANSING (AP) — Michigan’s top Republican leader in ... U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who moved to Michigan in recent years — has also fielded calls pushing for him to ...

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who moved to Michigan in recent years — has also fielded ... Nesbitt and Duggan both criticized inaction in Lansing, the state’s capitol in their announcements. While Democrats spent much of 2023 ...

Jocelyn Benson, 47, of Detroit, said she wants to be known as "the governor who puts transparency and efficiency at the forefront."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who moved to Michigan in recent years ... Nesbitt and Duggan both criticized inaction in Lansing, the state's capitol in their announcements.

Michigan’s Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November’s significant losses in the battleground state.

Michigan’s Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November’s significant losses in the battleground state.

Michigan's Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces her candidacy for governor in a bid to replace Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan will see a major change come 2026, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, due to term limits, will not be able to seek reelection. This means the State’s highest office will be up for grabs with no incumbent in place,