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The famous Michigan sheriff has announced his bid to run for governor on behalf of Democrat Gretchen Whitmer.
Thursday’s announcement from Chris Swanson, who first elected Michigan’s Genesee County sheriff in 2020, marks a complete leap into politics after speaking at the Democratic National Convention last August. The race is becoming one of 2026’s most heavily contested political battles.
Swanson attracted national attention in May 2020, days after George Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis. He famously removed his riot equipment and marched with the protesters before saying, “I want this to be a parade, not a protest.”
His bids will issue plans for Swanson to make the heart of his campaign as Democrats seek a new kind of candidate that can address the concerns of top voters such as immigration and public safety.
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Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his campaign to run for governor of Michigan in the 2026 election at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan on February 6, 2025. (Flint Journal via Jake May/AP)
Swanson officially announced his bid at his alma mater, Mott Community College, in Flint Thursday night. He was joined by a packed home with over 400 supporters from across the state.
“When there is a challenge, we resolve it. When there is a crisis, we become calm. When there is an opportunity, we will grab it,” Swanson said. “I believe everyone has value. Michigan has value, so we were trying to find ways to help and connect people. Together, we’re just enough to win in Michigan. I think it’s so difficult.”
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Swanson joins Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic primary as he participates in the race, with Lieutenant Colonel Garlin Gilchrist pondering potential bids. On the Republican side, Aric Nesbitt, the top Senate leader in the GOP state Senate, announced his candidacy. US Congressman John James Ice LSO is considered a potential candidate. Mike Duggan, the former democratic mayor of Detroit, further shaking the race by joining as an independent.
Swanson has never won a race outside of Genesee County, and he wins a statewide race in the primary, facing Benson, who has raised millions of dollars. Swanson remains largely unknown outside of his county, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson speaks at a press conference held in Flint, Michigan on January 28, 2025. (Flint Journal via Jake May/AP)
Sheriff’s appeal as a non-traditional candidate could resonate in battlefield conditions like Michigan. In the 2024 election, Swanson was re-elected with 65% of the vote in Genesee County. This is nearly 14 percent ahead of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Swanson’s decision to remove riot gear and march alongside protesters at the Flint demonstration following Floyd’s May 2020 death was a national from prominent Democrats, including Whitmer and former President Barack Obama. It sparked attention and praise.
He said this month that police had planned a different response, but “when I was walking, I thought there had to be a better way.”
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It also helped him appear at the Democratic National Convention in August. There, he dressed in the sheriff’s uniform and supported Harris in a short speech.
This appearance was a rare show of law enforcement support for the then president. Sheriffs across Michigan and across the country frequently formed alliances with President Donald Trump during crime-related anti-fatal presidential campaigns.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has been accepted as he announced his campaign to run for governor of Michigan in the 2026 election at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan on Thursday, February 6, 2026 ( (Jake May/Flint Journal via Flint Journal)
Swanson’s career can enhance his appeal in the general election, especially as immigration remains a concern for the biggest voters. But he may face challenges in the Democratic primary. There, some of the party called for “refunding the police” and reforming law enforcement.
“It’s time for another type of candidate to come through the system, not just the next system,” Swanson said. “I think people are hungry for something new and fresh. The parties are certainly true. And I’m that person.”
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Swanson’s governor bid was first announced by the Associated Press.
Paul Steinhauser of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital Breaking Reporter that covers crime, political issues and more.
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