Jocelyn Benson (D), John James (R), and four other candidates are running in the general election for governor of Michigan on November 3, 2026.

Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer (D) is term-limited and can not seek re-election. Bridge Michigan's Simon D. Schuster wrote, "James heads to the general election looking to extend a streak: It’s been about 35 years since the same party held onto the Michigan governor’s office for more than two terms, something Benson is attempting to do by succeeding Whitmer, a fellow Democrat. But Republicans have not won a statewide office in Michigan in more than a decade, and midterm elections tend to serve as a referendum on the White House, where Trump’s popularity has plummeted."

In 2024, President Donald Trump (R) defeated Kamala Harris (D) 49.7%–48.3% in the presidential election and Elissa Slotkin (D) won the senatorial election 48.6%–48.3%.

Both Benson and James have run statewide in recent elections. Benson won the 2022 Secretary of State election 55.9%–41.9%. Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer (D) won that year's gubernatorial election 54.5%–43.9%. James lost the 2020 senatorial election 49.9%–48.2% to incumbent Gary Peters (D). That year, Joe Biden (D) defeated President Donald Trump (R) 50.6%–47.8% in the presidential election in Michigan.

As of August 2026, major election forecasters rated the general election Lean Democratic or Tilt Democratic.

Benson was elected Secretary of State in 2018 after unsuccessfully running for the office in 2010. She earlier worked as an attorney with a focus on civil rights. Benson's campaign website says, "Jocelyn has a proven track record of transforming broken government systems and fixing them to save Michiganders time and money while protecting their rights and freedoms. As governor, she will make Michigan more affordable, take our public schools to the top 10 in the nation, and make government work for Michiganders." As of August 17, 2026, Benson had not named her running mate.

James was first elected to represent the 10th Congressional District in 2022. He is a U.S. Army veteran and former executive at a logistics company. James' campaign website says, "John’s vision for Michigan is clear and disciplined: academic excellence, economic opportunity, and safe communities where families feel secure. He’ll put kids and families first when it comes to education, cut job-killing regulations, fully fund and support law enforcement, and prioritize Michigan workers and families." James' running mate is Jay DeBoyer (R).

Minor party, independent, and write-in candidates include Douglas Campbell (G), Anthony Hudson (L), Donna Brandenburg (U.S. Taxpayers Party), and Evan Space (Independent) (Write-in). Campbell's running mate is Bobbie Clay (G), Hudson's is Beau Parmenter (L), and Brandenburg's is Robert Cowper II (U.S. Taxpayers Party).

The election will influence Michigan's trifecta and triplex status. Democrats have a triplex in Michigan because the governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all Democrats. Neither party has a trifecta because Republicans have a majority in the Michigan House of Representatives while Democrats have the governorship and a majority in the Michigan Senate.

If Benson wins, Republicans will not have a trifecta or a triplex regardless of the results in other Michigan elections. If James wins, Democrats will not have a trifecta or a triplex.

In Michigan, the gubernatorial nominee is selected in the primary. Major and minor party lieutenant gubernatorial nominees are chosen at party conventions and run on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial nominee.

This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place this year.