Why Former AG Mike Cox Is Entering the Michigan Governor’s Race?

Michigan’s governor’s race is already getting hot early, and one familiar name just jumped back into the mix. Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox informed reporters Monday he’s a candidate for the position, the most recent of dozens of potential contenders to consider running for the state’s top spot in 2026.

His statement wasn’t insincere. His statement wasn’t concise. During an interview last week, Cox took pains to clarify that his invitation isn’t purely a question of political ambition this is about what he says is Michigan’s imperative need for leadership to address what he believes is long-standing issues. The next election for Cox isn’t an election. He’s framing it as a “decisive” election – a turning point for Michigan’s future.

A Call to Action for Michigan

Cox, a former Michigan attorney general from 2003 to 2011, far from unknown to Michigan state politics. He has first-hand experience of what Michigan’s turned into and, in his opinion, fallen from since he stepped out of the limelight. Talking about why now is the time to come back, he cited two major issues behind his candidacy attempt: schools and jobs.

“It makes me mad,” he said, “that our kids are so far behind in school.” He spoke in particular terms of Michigan’s rank on fourth-grade reading being second only to Alaska and New Mexico. For Cox, it is more than just a number. It’s an indication that the future generation is not being served so well by the system, and while there has been a tidal wave of money into the system all these years, he does not see drastic tangible change. Learning, in his opinion, is the foundation to any successful society. And as the foundation gets eroded, the rest all crumbles most particularly economic development.

Jobs and Economic Issues

Closely tied to Cox’s concern about education is the state of Michigan’s economy. He was blunt in his assessment: “We’re back up to the second highest unemployment in America.”

That’s a lofty statement and one he believes underscores the state’s requirement for robust, fight-tested leadership now more than ever. Cox argues bringing jobs home to bring back to the state is not just a requirement – a crisis. He wants Michigan competitive again, business and industry returning, working family opportunity from throughout the state.

He says he has a formula for building conscientious teams, winning campaign battles, and good bottom-line strategies. Specifically, he says, “This is a moment – not so much for me but for Michigan.” 2026 isn’t an election year to him; it’s a turning point.

“Do we rise out of ashes and fight,” he wondered, “or do we eat more rot?”

A Crowd of a Field Is Beginning To Coalesce

While Cox’s investigation pushes the edge of Republican candidates, though, he is not the only one of his colleagues. He has some other ideologically sympathetic Republicans on his side: fellow party members State Senator Aric Nesbitt and U.S. Representative John James both name-brand pols with huge bases. What that adds up to is an early, possibly nasty, primary battle, one in which candidates will need to cut themselves in half at the seams.

Cox will try to do this by appealing to his record and experience as a highly regarded statewide elected official. His is a direct, unflinching, and unapologetic message squarely aimed at Michiganders tired of watching the state stall on issues like failing schools, lagging job growth, and out-of-control unemployment.

But the election will not be contested for Republicans in a struggle between themselves to get the nomination. Even among the Democrats, old faces have returned too. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan might be an independent candidate, but he brings yet another dimension to the 2026 governor’s race.

What Sets Cox Apart

Cox is promising to what makes him stand apart from all the rest Republican or otherwise is that he’ll be working day one. He’s not showing his teeth and figuring out how to acclimate himself to life in the public eye. He already has, he led first, and knows how to conduct himself with dispatch after being sworn in. That’s off of both those two years of life in the public eye, where he handled the big headline stories and oversaw a large state agency.

And after all that has come to pass politically since he last ran, Cox still possesses the fundamental values of leadership hadn’t. Honesty, action, and the temerity to face tough problems head-on are his topmost priorities. Action, not hot air, will characterize his campaign.

The Road to 2026

With over a year to go before deadline to file, the governor’s race already is one of the more heated in history. Both sides’ list of candidates is a clue that voters will have unblemished choices on election day.

For Mike Cox, however, whether to run for office or not is not a matter of timing or perfect conditions. It’s a matter of Michigan’s children, Michigan working women and men, and the future of Michigan. He’s betting citizens need a leader who will fix that which has been broken, stand the state up on its feet, and give the next generation the chance that they deserve.

Whether or not it strikes with voters is uncertain. But this much is certain: Cox is in and will fight for Michigan.