Chris Swanson
Genesee County sheriff running in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor.
Running for Governor · Genesee County sheriff.
Chris Swanson is the sheriff of Genesee County (Flint) and is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in the open 2026 race.
We’re expanding this profile as the campaign develops — positions, endorsements, and funding will be added as they can be verified.
The race
Full race guide Seat Governor
Currently held by Gretchen Whitmer — not running again
Term 4 years · term limits: 2 terms (8 years)
The story Open seat — Whitmer is term-limited.
Also in the Democratic primary
- Jocelyn Benson Michigan Secretary of State.
Possible November opponents
- John James (R) U.S. representative; endorsed by President Trump.
- Perry Johnson (R) Businessman.
Candidate profiles are non-endorsements: every candidate in a covered race gets one, and we publish only what we can verify — how we cover races.