Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox declared his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, entering a growing field of Republican contenders aiming to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Cox, who served as Michigan’s attorney general from 2003 to 2011, previously ran unsuccessfully for governor in the 2010 Republican primary, where he placed third in a five-person race. Cox made his campaign announcement via the social media platform X, using rhetoric aligned with former President Donald Trump, including a call to “Make Michigan Great Again” and criticism of “radical politicians” and “woke bureaucrats.”. The Republican primary field now includes U.S. Representative John James (R-Shelby Township), Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), and Anthony Hudson, a self-described political outsider and Texas native.

On the Democratic side, declared gubernatorial candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, has opted to run as an independent, bypassing the party primary process entirely. Cox is an attorney based in Livonia, Michigan. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, and previously worked in both the Oakland and Wayne County prosecutor’s offices.

His law firm has recently represented former University of Michigan student-athletes in lawsuits against the university over sexual abuse claims involving former team physician Dr. Robert Anderson. Cox’s wife, Laura Cox, served as Michigan Republican Party chair during the contentious 2020 election, a period marked by litigation and challenges to the state’s presidential results. The filing deadline for Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race remains distant, leaving room for additional candidates to enter. The elected governor will take office on January 1, 2027.