Michigan Sheriff Chris Swanson Announces 2026 Gubernatorial Bid

Swanson, a Democrat known for marching with protesters in 2020, enters a competitive race to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Chris Swanson, Genesee County sheriff and Democrat, formally launched his campaign for Michigan governor at an event in Flint on Thursday night.
Swanson gained national attention in 2020 for marching with protesters after George Floyd's death and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2024.
His campaign will focus on public safety and immigration, leveraging his law enforcement background and initiatives like a nationally recognized inmate rehabilitation program.
Swanson faces competition in the Democratic primary from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II considering a run.
The race is expected to be highly competitive, with Republican candidates and an independent also vying to replace Governor Whitmer in the battleground state.