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Meet the candidates running in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race

Republican U.S. Rep. John James and Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are running for Michigan’s governor.

Coverage (1)· Aug 8, 9:00 AM

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WDIV ClickOnDetroit· Aug 8, 9:00 AMMeet the candidates running in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race

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Before

The race to replace Gretchen Whitmer in MichiganMichigan typically alternates between eight years of Democratic and GOP gubernatorial rule. That means a Republican could succeed Whitmer.

Washington Examiner2mo agoWhole story →

Government Gretchen Whitmer michigan gubernatorial race

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Who's running for MI governor? Benson, James priorities for Midterm electionThe competitive race to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pits Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson against U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township.

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Which counties did governor candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James do worst in?Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson won her primary by a landslide, while Republican candidate John James barely cleared 50% in a four-way Republican race.

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Republican gubernatorial candidate John James selects Jay DeBoyer as running mateJohn James, who won the Republican primary on Aug. 4 for the Michigan gubernatorial seat, has named his running mate.

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Michigan governor’s race enters general election after Benson, James primary winsMichigan’s 2026 governor’s race is officially set. Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James won their respective primaries Tuesday (Aug. 4), but in dramatically different fashions.

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John James, Jocelyn Benson fight over 9/11 ad on eve of anniversaryDemocratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson called the 9/11 ad from her Republican opponent John James a "despicable lie." James doubled down.

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Michigan candidates for governor speak at Detroit forumDemocratic nominee Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and GOP nominee U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township are set to appear separately.

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John James taps Jay DeBoyer as running mate in governor's raceRepublican U.S. Rep. John James has tapped a fellow Macomb County lawmaker with a history of battling Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

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How 2020 election looms large in Michigan governor’s raceThe race to lead Michigan has seen John James embrace the lie that President Donald Trump won in 2020 while Jocelyn Benson runs on election record.

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