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.

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.

State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced Tuesday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor on the 2026 ballot. Rick Pluta reports.

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.

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

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.

State Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican from Lawton, has announced his campaign​ for the Michigan governor's race.