General Info

The general election is November 3, 2026, and will determine who the next Governor of Michigan is.

The current Governor is Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. However, she is term limited and cannot seek re-election.

The current Governor candidates are Jocelyn Benson (Democrat) and John James (Republican).

The length of a Governor’s term is 4 years, and one can have up to two terms.

The Governor is the State’s chief executive. They sign and veto legislation. This means that every bill passed by Michigan Legislature comes to the Governor. Also, the Governor submits Michigan’s annual budget, leads Michigan’s executive branch, responds to emergencies, issues executive orders and directives, represents Michigan nationally, and appoints judges and officials.

Source: michwomen.com/blog/2026-candidates-for-michigan-governor