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A high -profile sheriff in Michigan announced his attempt to run for governor, replacing the Democratic governor. Gretchen Whitmer.
The first elected sheriff of Michigan Genesee Count National Democratic Convention last August. The race is emerging as one of the most fiercely disputed political battles of 2026.
Swanson first caught national attention in May 2020, a few days after the death of George Floyd’s police custody in Minneapolis caused national protests against racial injustice. He removed the riot team and marched together with the protesters after telling them: “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
Its offer occurs when the Democratic party seeks a new type of candidate that can address the main concerns of voters, such as immigration and public safety, Swanson’s issues plan to make centrals in its campaign.
The Geseee County Sheriff, Chris Swanson, announces his campaign to run for Michigan governor in the 2026 elections on February 6, 2025 at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal through AP)
Swanson formally announced his offer at Mott Community College, his Alma Mater, in Flint on Thursday night. He was joined by a house full of more than 400 followers of the entire state.
“When there is a challenge, we will solve it. When there is a crisis, we will bring calm. When there is an opportunity, we will take advantage of it,” said Swanson. “I think everyone has value. Michigan has value. That is why I have always tried to find ways to help and unite people. I think together, we are hard enough to win for Michigan.”
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Upon entering the race, Swanson joins the Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic primaries, with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II reflecting a possible offer. On the Republican side, Aric Nesbitt, the main leader of the Senate of the Republican Party, has announced his candidacy. American representative John James Ais Lso considered a potential contender. The mayor once democratic of Detroit, Mike Duggan, shook the race when he entered as independent.
Swanson has never won a career out of Genesee County and will compete in the primary against Benson, who has won multiple state races and raised millions of dollars. Swanson is still a large extent unknown outside his county, which is about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
The Geseee County Sheriff, Chris Swanson, speaks during a press conference on January 28, 2025 in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal through AP)
The appeal of the Sheriff as a non -traditional candidate could resonate in a state of battlefield like Michigan, where winning requires broad party support. In the 2024 elections, Swanson was re -elected with 65% of the votes in Genesee County, with almost 14 percentage points ahead of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Swanson’s decision of Remove your riot and March team Together with the protesters in a manifestation in Flint after the death of Floyd in May 2020, it caused national attention and praise of prominent Democrats, including Whitmer and former President Barack Obama.
He said this month that the police had planned a different response, but “while walking, I thought, there must be a better way.”
He also helped promote him an appearance at the National Democratic Convention in August, where he carried the uniform of his sheriff and supported Harris in a brief speech.
The appearance was a rare sign of the support of the application of the law for the then vice president. Sheriffs in Michigan and throughout the country were frequently aligned with President Donald Trump during his harsh presidential campaign for anti-ilegal immigration.
The Geseee County Sheriff, Chris Swanson, hugs when he announces his campaign to run for governor of Michigan in the 2026 elections on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Mott Community College in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal through AP)
Swanson’s history could increase their appeal in a general choice, especially because immigration remains a concern of high voters. However, he can face challenges in the Democratic primaries, where some in the party have made calls to “discourage the police” and Reform of the law.
“It’s time for us to have a different type of candidate that advances in the system, not only the next one,” Swanson said. “People, I think, are hungry for something new and fresh. Certainly the party is. And I am that person.”
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Swanson’s governor’s offer was announced for the first time in Associated Press.
Paul Steinhauser of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
