Aric Nesbitt has announced his campaign for Michigan governor, entering a 2026 race that is expected to be competitive as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ends her time in that office. Nesbitt, a Republican from Lawton,

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican who represents Michigan's 20th Senate District, was born and raised in Porter Township. He was the second to announce his campaign, following behind Detroit Mayor and longtime Democrat Mike Duggan, who elected to run as an independent in the race.

LANSING — State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is running for governor. Nesbitt is the first well-known Republican to enter the race to succeed Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who will be term-limited in 2026. He announced his campaign in a video posted on social media Tuesday.

State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced Tuesday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor on the 2026 ballot. Rick Pluta reports.

Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt announced early Tuesday morning he is running for governor. Nesbitt was elected to serve as a state senator in 2018. He currently serves Michigan’s 20th Senate District, which represents portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties.

State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is the second well-known candidate to enter the race to succeed Whitmer, who has two years remaining in her final term after being reelected in 2022. The open governor’s seat in 2026 is expected to spark competitive primaries.

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) launched his gubernatorial bid Tuesday, becoming the first Republican to jump into the race ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Michiganders deserve so much better than what they’re getting from these Democrats up in Lansing,