The tall sheriff in Michigan announced his offer to run for the governor, replacing the Democratic Government. Gretchen Whitmer.
The first selected Sheriff of the Gennessee District in Michigan 2020, the announcement of Chris Swanson on Thursday indicates his full jump into politics after talking in Democratic national convention last August. The race is formed as one of the most controversial controversial political battles in 2026.
Swanson first attracted national attention in May 2020, just days after the death of George Floyd’s police in Minneapolis caused protests throughout the country against Rasni injustice. He knew he took off his riot equipment and marched with demonstrators after he said to them, “I want to do this with a parade, not a protest.”
His offer comes because the Democratic Party is looking for a new kind of candidate who can solve the top voter problems such as immigration and public security, he plays Swanson to make the central in his campaign.
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Gennessee Chris Swanson Sheriff announces his campaign for the Governor Michigan’s candidate in the 2026 election. February 6. 2025. On Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
Swanson officially announced his offer on Mott Community College, his Alma Mater, in Flint Thursday night. He was joined by a crowded houses with more than 400 supporters from all over the country.
“When the challenge comes, we will solve it. When there is a crisis, we will calm down. When there is an opportunity, we will use it,” Swanson said. “I believe everyone has a value. Michigan has a value. That’s why I always tried to find ways to help and gather people. I believe we are together enough to win for Michigan.”
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Entering the race, Swanson joins the state secretary Jocelyn Benson in the democratic primary, with Lieutenant Garlin Gilchrist II considering a potential offer. On the Republican side, Aric Nesbitt, leading leader of the GOP State Senate, announced his candidacy. US Ambassador John James Ais considered a potential candidate. Formerly Democratic Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan further shook the race, entering as independent.
Swanson never won the race outside the Gennessa district and will compete in the basic against Benson, who won several races in the entire country and raised millions of dollars. Swanson remains mostly unknown outside his county, which is about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
Gennessee Chris Swanson Sheriff talks during a press conference, January 28, 2025 in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
Sheriff’s complaint as a non -traditional candidate could echo in the state of Battleground like Michigan, where victory requires broad, inter -party support. In the 2024 elections. Swanson was re -elected with 65% of the Genhenese district – which made almost 14 percentage points ahead of the Democratic candidate Kamal Harris.
Swanson’s decision yes Remove his riot equipment and march In addition to protesters on demonstration in Flint after Floyd’s death in May 2020, he caused national attention and praise of prominent Democrats, including Whitmer and former President Barack Obama.
He said this month that the police had planned a different answer, but “as I walked, I thought, he had to be a better way.”
This also helped him encourage him to perform at the Democratic National Convention in August, where he wore a sheriff’s uniform in a short speech and supported Harris.
The appearance was a rare show of support to implement the law at the then president. Sheriffs in Michigan and across the country were often aligned with President Donald Trump during their hard crime, presidential campaign of immigration against illegal immigration.
Gennessee Chris Swanson Sheriff was accepted as he announces his campaign for nomination for the Governor Michigan in the 2026 election on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Mott Community College in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
The Swanson background could increase his appeal in the general election, especially since immigration remains the main concern for voters. However, he can face the challenges in the Democratic Championship, where some of the party have made calls to the “Separation of the Police” and Reform police implementation.
“It’s time to have a different type of candidate who comes through the system, not just the next one,” Swanson said. “People, I think, are hungry for something new and fresh. It is certainly fun. And I’m that person.”
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The Swanson –‘s Gubernator offer was first announced in the Associated Press.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and Associated Press contributed to this report.
