Michigan’s top Republican leader in the state Senate announced Tuesday a candidacy for governor, becoming the first high-profile Republican to enter the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Aric Nesbitt has announced his campaign for Michigan governor, entering a 2026 race that is expected to be competitive as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ends her time in that office. Nesbitt, a Republican from Lawton,

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said as governor he'll support "taxpayers over the woke left," empower parents and stand with President-elect Donald Trump.

The Van Buren County politician became the first prominent Republican or Democratic candidate to make public their 2026 campaign for governor.

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican who represents Michigan's 20th Senate District, was born and raised in Porter Township. He was the second to announce his campaign, following behind Detroit Mayor and longtime Democrat Mike Duggan, who elected to run as an independent in the race.

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced Tuesday morning he is running for Michigan governor, becoming the first Republican to announce for the position formally. Nesbitt is in his second term in the state Senate after serving three terms in the House of Representatives.

The current Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is looking to succeed Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Nesbitt grew up on a six-generation dairy and grape farm. He says his family has been farmers since 1846. He graduated from Hillsdale College with an economics degree and has a wife and two kids, with a third on the way.

Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt announced early Tuesday morning he is running for governor. Nesbitt was elected to serve as a state senator in 2018. He currently serves Michigan’s 20th Senate District, which represents portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties.

LANSING — State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is running for governor. Nesbitt is the first well-known Republican to enter the race to succeed Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who will be term-limited in 2026. He announced his campaign in a video posted on social media Tuesday.

Aric Nesbitt, the Republican Senate Leader has a long career in GOP politics. He launched his bid for Michigan governor Tuesday.

In a video announcement Tuesday morning, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) officially became the first Republican candidate to throw his hat into the ring for Michigan governor in 2026.