LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday that she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November's significant losses in the battleground state.

The 47-year-old Democrat becomes the third major candidate to declare for the race to replace Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced in December that he would run as an independent and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said earlier this month he would seek the Republican nomination.

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.

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy, becoming the first major party candidate in Michigan to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov.

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

LANSING (AP) — Michigan’s top Republican leader in ... U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who moved to Michigan in recent years — has also fielded calls pushing for him to ...

Jocelyn Benson, 47, of Detroit, said she wants to be known as "the governor who puts transparency and efficiency at the forefront."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who moved to Michigan in recent years ... Nesbitt and Duggan both criticized inaction in Lansing, the state's capitol in their announcements.