In Michigan’s Tuesday, Aug. 4 election, voters in the state will weigh in on primary races to decide which Democratic and Republican nominees will face off to be governor in November.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits.
Here’s who will be on the Democratic and Republican ballots separately:
Benson vs. Swanson in Michigan’s Democratic primary for governor
The candidates in the Democratic primary are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
The Democratic primary has seen few fireworks. Throughout the contest, Benson has held a strong fundraising and polling advantage over Swanson.
Benson has highlighted her overhaul of vehicle services in Michigan as she argues she can transform other government programs to save residents time and money.
Swanson has billed himself as the “working class” candidate in the race and touts his law enforcement background on the campaign trail.
Learn more with the Detroit Free Press voter guide
In its nonpartisan voter guide, the Free Press offers candidates the chance to communicate with voters in their own words. We remove entries that include false or unverifiable statements, personal attacks on other candidates or foul language, but responses are otherwise unedited.
Click on the links below to learn more about each candidate, including their political experience, stance on issues like data centers and immigration and what they say the priorities for Michigan should be.
James vs. Johnson in Michigan’s Republican primary for governor
The candidates in the Republican primary are U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, and businessman Perry Johnson.
James lost his U.S. Senate races against Democratic incumbents in 2018 and 2020 but he went on to win a competitive congressional election in 2022 to represent Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Oakland and Macomb counties.
Johnson has never held elected office before. He has highlighted his business experience (which includes bringing quality management systems to the auto industry) to argue that he can bring efficiency to state government. He has characterized himself as a political outsider in President Donald Trump’s mold.
Johnson has largely self-funded his race and outspent James, but James has consistently held a lead in many polls.
Other candidates on the ballot
Former Attorney General Mike Cox and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, still appear on the ballot but both candidates have dropped out and followed Trump in backing James.
Cook Political Report analyzes elections across the United States and rates Michigan’s open race for governor competitive but finds that Democrats have an edge.
Looking for more on Michigan’s elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What to know about candidates on ballot for Michigan primary governor’s race
Reporting by Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
