The first Republican lawmaker will launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed Michigan’s Whitmer

The high-profile 2026 governor’s race to win with term-limited Democrats Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is being launched.

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy on Tuesday, becoming the first major party candidate to launch a gubernatorial campaign.

“Michigan deserves a lot better than what we’re getting from Lansing right now,” Nesbitt said in a launch video posted on social media. “I’m going to run a campaign that focuses on Michigan first, families first and workers first. I’m in the fight.”

Highlighting his conservative philosophy, Nesbitt emphasized that “I trust families over government.”

THESE ARE THE BEST ELECTIONS TO WATCH IN 2025

“I want to move forward and empower taxpayers instead of taxes here in the state, and that’s part of that Michigan First agenda where you have to expect a lot more from Lansing and hope that there’s really value for money.” he emphasized

POPULAR GOP GOVERNOR REVEALS WHAT’S NEXT AFTER 8 YEARS LEADING KEY SWING STATE

Additionally, Nesbitt, who highlighted his “small-town farm boy” heritage in his video, also pledged to “stand with President Trump to bring back a renaissance of manufacturing here in Michigan.”

Nesbit is the first Republican in michigan to jump into a race that will likely attract a large field.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is term-limited. Whitmer is seen standing for a Fox News Digital interview on July 25, 2024 in Durham, New Hampshire. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)

Former Republican state attorney general Mike Cox has formed a committee to explore a run for governor. Other Republicans believed to be considering a run include Rep. John James, former state House Speaker Tom Leonard, Oakland County businessman Kevin Rinke, 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon and former gubernatorial and presidential candidate Perry Johnson.

2026 SENATE BATTLE: WHAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRAFT CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SAID TO FOX NEWS

Among the Democrats considering a run for governor are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Pete Buttigieg, the 2020 presidential candidate who has served as Transportation Secretary in President Biden’s administration for the past four years, and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, is running for governor of Michigan in 2026 as an independent. (Getty Images)

Democratic Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan recently made headlines when he announced his 2026 gubernatorial campaign as an independent.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Michigan is a crucial state for the general election.

President Biden carried the state by a slim margin in the 2020 election. President-elect Trump narrowly won the state in the November election, but Democrats held on to a hotly contested open Senate seat.