General Election Overview: The Race for Governor of Michigan

Leading up to the November 5 general election, we are highlighting races generally considered swing seats.

Commentary: 

After serving two terms, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run for reelection. She handily won the 2022 general election 54.5% to Republican candidate Tudor Dixon’s 43.9%. Michigan is a true purple state, and the governor has flipped back and forth between the two major parties for decades. If the trend continues, that will benefit Republican candidate Congressman John James. However, because the national political environment appears to favor Democratic candidates, that could help push Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson over the finish line in November.

In recent weeks, public polling has shown Secretary Benson leading by roughly 3 to 7 points, depending on the poll, with polling averages putting her ahead by about 6. Public reporting also shows the Benson campaign and its allies significantly outspending the James campaign. Although the governor’s race sits at the top of the ticket in Michigan, it’s worth noting that the U.S. Senate race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed has drawn most of the media and fundraising attention.

As we head toward Election Day, Secretary Benson appears to have the lead, but a comeback by Congressman James is still within striking distance.

Democratic Candidate: 

• • Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson – Michigan Secretary of State, attorney, and former Dean of Wayne State University Law School.
    • Governor Running Mate: Senator Winnie Brinks – Senate Majority Leader, former state representative, and worked as a caseworker at The Source and as director of a community-based corrections agency.

Republican Candidate:

• • Congressman John James – Congressman, Veteran, and led his family’s company, the James Group International and Renaissance Global Logistics.
    • Governor Running Mate: Representative Jay DeBoyer – State Representative, small business owner, and former clerk and register of deeds for St. Clair County and Clay Township trustee and supervisor.

Libertarian Candidate:

• • Anthony Hudson
    • Governor Running Mate: Beau Permenter

U.S. Taxpayers Candidate:

• • Donna Brandenburg
    • Governor Running Mate: Robert Cowper

 Green Candidate: 

• • Douglas Campbell
    • Governor Running Mate: Bobbie Clay