Jocelyn Benson defeated Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan on August 4, 2026.

Incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was term-limited, leaving the office open in 2026. Michigan has a divided government, meaning neither party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office, which is called a state government trifecta. Either major party could obtain trifecta control as a result of the 2026 elections. Democrats need to maintain the governorship and Senate while gaining the House, and Republicans need to maintain the House while gaining the governorship and Senate.

Benson was elected Michigan Secretary of State in 2018 and was also term-limited in 2026. She earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Oxford University, and her law degree from Harvard. Before her election as secretary of state, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School. Benson also wrote a book called State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process and co-founded Military Spouses of Michigan.

Benson campaigned on lowering costs, expanding access to housing and healthcare, and improving public education. On her campaign website, Benson said she "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," and that 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."

Swanson was appointed sheriff of Genesee County in 2019 and won election to the position in 2020 and 2024. He attended Mott Community College and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in public administration from the University of Michigan. Swanson's career experience included three decades in law enforcement, work as a paramedic, and teaching public health at the University of Michigan-Flint. As sheriff, Swanson founded task forces focused on human trafficking, criminal sexual conduct, and inmate education.

Swanson campaigned on lowering costs, public safety, state government reforms, and improving public education. Swanson told reporters in April 2026 that the race would not be "a coronation," and said, "I think this whole country is looking for something that's different than the establishment candidate who has talking points. They want to see actions, and that's what we bring. That's what makes me different."