Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced Thursday that he is running for governor, seeking the Democratic nomination in a field that already includes Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

The room was packed full with hundreds of supporters surrounding a stage at the center of the room. The energy was like that found at a rock concert, but the headliner was Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson as he announced his campaign to become Michigan’s next governor.

Genesee County Chris Swanson has told The Associated Press he’s launching a Democratic bid to be Michigan’s next governor

Chris Swanson has been the sheriff of Genesee County since being appointed in 2019. He’s twice been elected to the job, in 2020 and 2024. But he told Thursday evening's campaign launch audience he’s been planning to run for governor for the past five years.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is the second Democrat to step into the race, following Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Swanson is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2026 against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. They are hoping to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who cannot run again due to term limits. State Sen. Aric Nesbitt is running for the Republican nomination while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.

Swanson announced on Feb. 6, 2025, he will be running for the state’s governor seat in the 2026 race. He is the second candidate to be running for the Democratic Party. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined the race earlier in January.