A controversial sheriff in Michigan announced his attempt to run for Governor, to replace Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The announcement of Chris Swanson, chosen for the first time as Sheriff of the Genesee district of Michigan, is Thursday Democratic National Convention Last August. The race will be one of the most brightly disputed political battles of 2026.
Swanson received national attention for the first time in May 2020, only a few days after the death of the George Floyd police in Minneapolis caused national protests against racial injustice. He pulled out his riot equipment famous and marched next to protesters after told them: “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
His offer comes when the Democratic party is looking for a new kind of candidate who can tackle the worries of the best voters, such as immigration and public safety, Swanson is planning to be central to his campaign.
Newsom changes Toon on Trump from campaign -Redoriek with federal nature flash repeditions at stake
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announces his campaign to go for Governor of Michigan in the 2026 elections on 6 February 2025 at the Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
Swanson formally announced his offer at the Mott Community College, his Alma Mater, in Flint on Thursday evening. He was accompanied by a full house of more than 400 supporters from the whole state.
“If there is a challenge, we will solve it. If there is a crisis, we will bring calmness. If there is a chance, we will grab it,” Swanson said. “I believe everyone has value. Michigan has value.
Out of power: Democrats disoriented in the fight against Trump agenda
When entering the race, Swanson joins State Secretary Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic Primary, with Lieutenant government Garlin Gilchrist II approaching a potential offer. On the Republican side, Aric Nesbitt, the top leader of the Gop -Saat, has announced his candidacy. The American representative John James Ais L, considered a potential competition. Detroit’s once democratic mayor Mike Duggan shook the race further by participating as independent.
Swanson has never won a race outside of Genesee County and he will compete in the primary against Benson, who has won several races in the entire state and has collected millions of dollars. Swanson remains largely unknown outside his county, which is approximately 70 miles northwest of Detroit.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson talks during a press conference, January 28, 2025 in Flint, Michigan. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
The profession of the Sheriff as a non-traditional candidate can resonate in a battlefield such as Michigan, where winning wide, cross-party support requires. In the 2024 elections, Swanson was re -elected by 65% ​​of the votes in Genesee County – with almost 14 percentage points for the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Swanson’s decision to Remove his riot equipment and March In addition to demonstrators during a demonstration in Flint after Floyd’s death of May 2020, national attention and praise from prominent Democrats, including Whitmer and former President Barack Obama.
He said this month that the police had planned a different answer, but “while I was walking up, I thought, there must be a better way.”
Trump Executive Order to deport Hamas sympathizers on campuses, asks Studentenkrant to remove names
It also helped him to appear at the Democratic National Convention in August, where he wore the uniform of his sheriff and endorsed Harris in a short speech.
The appearance was a rare show of support for law enforcement for the then president. Sheriffs in Michigan and throughout the country often came up with President Donald Trump during his tough, anti-illegal immigration-presidential campaign.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is being embraced as he announces his campaign to go to Governor of Michigan in the 2026 elections on Thursday 6 February 2025, at the Mott Community College in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)
Swanson’s background could increase his profession in a general election, especially since immigration remains top voter care. However, he can be confronted for challenges in the Democratic Primary, where some of them have called in the party to “defend the police” and Wet enforcement reform.
“It’s time for another type of candidate to come through the system, not just the next,” said Swanson. “People, I think, are hungry for something new and fresh. Certainly the party is. And I am that person.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Swanson’s gubernatorial bid was first announced in the Associated Press.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
