Tudor Dixon considers adding name into crowded race for Michigan Governor

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan's field of gubernatorial candidates could be growing yet again with Tudor Dixon announcing Tuesday that she's considering running in the 2026 election.

Dixon, Michigan's Republican candidate in 2022, is considering a run for Michigan's governor or the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election.

If Dixon enters the gubernatorial race, she would join two Republican candidates currently in the running. These include:

• Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt
• Anthony Hudson: a truck driver and Genesee County resident

On the other side of the aisle, three Democratic candidates announced plans to run for Governor:

• Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II
• Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
• Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson

Additionally, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has also announced that he plans to run for Governor as an Independent candidate.

This group of six, possibly seven, candidates is not abnormal for a race without an incumbent, according to Peter Wielhouwer, an associate professor of political science at Western Michigan University.

In a statement, Dixon said she wants to "do the most good for our beloved state," which is why she is considering both races.

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Dixon also expressed her commitment to standing with President Trump and bringing his "America First" agenda to the state of Michigan.

Trump backed Dixon in her previous gubernatorial bid in 2022.

Wielhouwer noted that how candidates position themselves in relation to Trump, especially Republicans, will likely impact who advances after the primary.

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"Most Republicans seem to be on board with letting him have free reign, but some Republicans are a little bit more resistant, the more establishment Republicans," Wielhouwer said. "It'll be interesting to see how that plays out."

Dixon expressed gratitude for the support she has received so far, saying, "I appreciate the encouragement and outpouring of support in favor of doing more to bring Michigan back from Gretchen Whitmer’s lost decade."

Dixon plans to decide soon "where her experience and talents would most benefit the state."