• Aric Nesbitt, Michigan Senate Minority Leader, declares his candidacy for governor in 2026.
• Nesbitt criticizes current Democratic leadership for rising taxes and declining job opportunities.
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has announced his independent run for the open seat.
• Potential contenders from both parties are emerging as the race heats up.

Aric Nesbitt, the Michigan Senate Minority Leader, officially announced his bid for governor on Tuesday, positioning himself as the first major Republican candidate in the race for 2026. In his campaign video, Nesbitt asserted, “Michiganders deserve so much better than what they’re getting from these Democrats up in Lansing,” highlighting key issues such as higher taxes, increased spending, and decreased job opportunities under the current administration (The Hill, AP News).

Nesbitt, who emphasizes his roots as a “small town farm boy,” has been a prominent figure in Michigan's political landscape. He has served in the state Senate since 2019 and currently leads the Republican caucus in a chamber controlled by Democrats. His platform includes ending the state’s electric vehicle mandates, advocating for greater investment in manufacturing, and banning sanctuary cities. These talking points closely align with Republican strategies that gained traction in the state during recent elections.

As the race for the open seat heats up, Nesbitt stands alongside other potential contenders, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent after switching parties. Democrats are also weighing their options with names like Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg being considered as possible candidates.

The 2026 gubernatorial election is expected to draw significant attention, particularly as the current Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is unable to seek reelection due to term limits. Both parties will be eager to secure victories in a state that has seen a shift in political dynamics since Donald Trump’s election to the presidency. The upcoming primaries promise to be both competitive and revealing as candidates grapple with the issues that matter most to Michiganders.

For further details on the evolving gubernatorial race, check out the full reports from The Hill and AP News.