A high-profile sheriff in Michigan introduced his bid to run for governor, changing Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
First elected sheriff of Michigan’s Genesee County in 2020, Chris Swanson’s announcement on Thursday marks his full leap into politics after talking on the Democratic Nationwide Conference final August. The race is shaping as much as be some of the fiercely contested political battles of 2026.
Swanson first gained nationwide consideration in Might 2020, simply days after the police custody dying of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests towards racial injustice. He famously took off his riot gear and marched alongside demonstrators after telling them: “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
His bid comes because the Democratic Celebration seeks a brand new type of candidate who can handle high voter issues resembling immigration and public security, points Swanson plans to make central to his marketing campaign.
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Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson pronounces his marketing campaign to run for governor of Michigan within the 2026 election on Feb. 6, 2025, at Mott Neighborhood School in Flint, Michigan. (Jake Might/The Flint Journal through AP)
Swanson formally introduced his bid at Mott Neighborhood School, his alma mater, in Flint on Thursday evening. He was joined by a packed home of greater than 400 supporters from throughout the state.
“When there’s a challenge, we will solve it. When there’s a crisis, we will bring calm. When there’s an opportunity, we will seize it,” Swanson mentioned. “I believe everyone has value. Michigan has value. It’s why I’ve always tried to find ways to help and bring people together. I believe that together, we are tough enough to win for Michigan.”
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In getting into the race, Swanson joins Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson within the Democratic main, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II mulling a possible bid. On the Republican facet, Aric Nesbitt, the highest GOP state Senate chief, has introduced his candidacy. U.S. Rep. John James ais lso thought of to be a possible contender. Detroit’s once-Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan additional shook up the race by getting into as an unbiased.
Swanson has by no means gained a race exterior of Genesee County and he can be competing within the main towards Benson, who has gained a number of statewide races and raised tens of millions of {dollars}. Swanson stays largely unknown exterior his county, which is about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson talks throughout a information convention, Jan. 28, 2025 in Flint, Michigan. (Jake Might/The Flint Journal through AP)
The sheriff’s attraction as a non-traditional candidate may resonate in a battleground state like Michigan, the place profitable requires broad, cross-party assist. Within the 2024 election, Swanson was reelected with 65% of the vote in Genesee County — operating practically 14 proportion factors forward of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Swanson’s resolution to take away his riot gear and march alongside protesters at an illustration in Flint following Floyd’s Might 2020 dying sparked nationwide consideration and reward from distinguished Democrats, together with Whitmer and former President Barack Obama.
He mentioned this month that police had deliberate for a distinct response, however “as I was walking up, I thought, there’s got to be a better way.”
It additionally helped propel him to an look on the Democratic Nationwide Conference in August, the place he wore his sheriff’s uniform and endorsed Harris in a quick speech.
The looks was a uncommon present of legislation enforcement assist for the then-vice president. Sheriffs in Michigan and throughout the nation incessantly aligned themselves with President Donald Trump throughout his tough-on-crime, anti-illegal immigration presidential marketing campaign.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is embraced as he pronounces his marketing campaign to run for governor of Michigan within the 2026 election Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Mott Neighborhood School in Flint, Mich. (Jake Might/The Flint Journal through AP)
Swanson’s background may enhance his attraction in a common election, particularly as immigration stays a high voter concern. Nevertheless, he could face challenges within the Democratic main, the place some within the celebration have made calls to “defund the police” and reform legislation enforcement.
“It’s time that we have a different type of candidate coming through the system, not just the next one up,” mentioned Swanson. “People, I think, are hungry for something new and fresh. Certainly the party is. And I’m that person.”
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Swanson’s gubernatorial bid was first introduced in The Related Press.
Fox Information’ Paul Steinhauser and The Related Press contributed to this report.
