A Republican has entered the race for Michigan governor. The current Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is looking to succeed Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Nesbitt grew up on a six-generation dairy and grape farm.

State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is the second well-known candidate to enter the race to succeed Whitmer, who has two years remaining in her final term after being reelected in 2022. The open governor’s seat in 2026 is expected to spark competitive primaries.

A West Michigan state lawmaker is in the running to be the Republican nominee for governor. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt R-Porter Township, said he’s getting into the race early in the hopes of building statewide name recognition.