Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer finally talked about Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's decision to run for governor as an independent, as the race for Lansing closes in.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen is expected to deliver her seventh State of the State address on Feb. 26, about a month later than she has previously given the annual speech.

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.

Duggan announced in late 2024 that he would not seek re-election as mayor in 2025 and would instead seek the top job in 2026.

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy, becoming the first major party candidate in Michigan to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov.

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.

A Republican has entered the race for Michigan governor. 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.

Axios Visuals Michigan's population growth isn't clustered around Metro Detroit, per an Axios analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. Why it matters: Overall lack of population growth has been a key focus for leaders like Gov.

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