A high-profile sheriff in Michigan announced his campaign for governor, replacing Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Chris Swanson’s first election for Michigan’s Genesey County Sheriff in 2020, Chris Swanson’s announcement on Thursday marked his Democratic national delegate last August After giving his speech at the conference, he went all out. This game is shaping, becoming one of the most intense political battles of 2026.
Swanson sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice in May 2020 days after detaining George Floyd in Minneapolis. He famously took off his riot gear and told them along with the protesters: “I want this parade, not protest.”
When the Democrats seek a new kind of candidate, his bid is a bid that they can address senior voter concerns such as immigration and public safety, which is a problem that Swanson plans to make his campaign central.
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Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his campaign for Michigan Governor in February 6, 2026 at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan sports. (Jake May/Flint Journal via AP)
Swanson officially announced his bid Thursday night at his alma mater, Mott Community College. He joined a packed house of more than 400 supporters from across the state.
“When faced with a challenge, we will solve it. When a crisis is a crisis, we will bring calmness. When there is a chance, we will grab it.” “I believe everyone has value. Michigan is all It’s valuable. That’s why I’ve been trying to find ways to help and bring people together. I believe it’s hard for us to win Michigan together.”
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While competing, Swanson joined Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and in the Democratic primary, Governor Garlin Gilchrist II made a potential bid. On the Republican side, Aric Nesbitt, the top Republican state Senate leader, announced his eligibility. U.S. Rep. John James Ais LSO is considered a potential contender. Mike Duggan, the former mayor of Detroit, further shocked the game as an independent person.
Swanson has never won a game outside of Genesee County, and he will compete with Benson in the primary, who won multiple statewide games and raised millions of dollars. Swanson is still unknown outside the county about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson talked at a press conference in Flint, Michigan on January 28, 2025. (Jake May/Flint Journal via AP)
The sheriff’s appeal as a non-traditional candidate could resonate on a battlefield like Michigan, where winning requires extensive cross-party support. In the 2024 election, Swanson was re-elected with 65% of the vote in Genesee County – nearly 14 points ahead of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Swanson decided to remove his riot gear and marched with protesters at a demonstration in Flint after Floyd’s death in May 2020 sparked the National attention and praise from famous Democrats including Whitmer and former President Barack Obama.
He said this month that police plan to respond differently, but “as I walk, I think there must be a better approach.”
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It also helped him make an appearance at the Democratic National Convention in August, where he wore the sheriff’s uniform and recognized Harris in a brief speech.
The appearance was a rare performance of law enforcement support from the then vice president. Sheriffs in Michigan and around the country often align with the president during Donald Trump’s tough, anti-criminal immigration presidential campaign.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his campaign for Michigan Governor in the 2026 election held Thursday, February 6, 2026 at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/Flint Journal via AP)
Swanson’s background can improve his appeal in the general election, especially when immigration remains the highest concern for voters. But he may face challenges in the Democratic primary, with some in the party calling for “returning police” and reforming law enforcement.
“It’s time for us to have different types of candidates through the system, not just the next one,” Swanson said. “I think people are eager for something fresh and fresh. Of course, the party is. I’m that personal.”
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Swanson’s governor bid was first announced in the Associated Press.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and the Associated Press contributed to the report.
