FLINT – Today, Sheriff Chris Swanson received support from fellow law enforcement officials from across the state in his run for governor. The endorsements come after Swanson first announced his candidacy at an event in Flint Thursday and labor union backing Friday.
“I am honored to earn the support of my fellow law enforcement officials, who go to work every day to protect and serve the people of Michigan,” said Sheriff Swanson. “As Sheriff, I have dedicated myself to keeping our communities safe and upholding the rule of law, while providing second chances through education and job training. As governor, I will always work closely with law enforcement to create real, lasting solutions for Michigan communities.”
As Sheriff of Genesee County, Sheriff Swanson has pioneered the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (G.H.O.S.T.). In less than three years, the program made hundreds of human trafficking and criminal sexual conduct case arrests and centered the voices of victims. He also created Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.), which implements education programs and helps the formerly incarcerated find full-time employment upon release – a program now instituted in jails across the country.
Today, Sheriff Swanson is announcing the endorsements of:
- Dani Hourani, Executive Board Member of the National Sheriff Association
- Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton
- Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Victoria Burton-Harris
- Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer
- Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller
- Presque Isle County Sheriff Joe Brewbaker
- Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt
- Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith
“I am proud to support Chris Swanson for governor for many reasons – from his unwavering devotion to the safety of our children, his commitment to his community and ensuring everyone feels valued, and his relentless pursuit of fairness within our justice system – Chris stands out as a beacon of hope,” said Dani Hourani, Executive Board Member of the National Sheriff Association. “Yet, if I had to choose just one reason for my support, it would be this: he is the kind of man I would want my child to look up to. His integrity, compassion, and leadership make him the ideal fit to be our next governor.”
“Chris Swanson has exhibited unparalleled dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of so many in our community, and our state. The transformative programs he has spearheaded to provide education, drug diversion, and safety for our residents have been duplicated across Michigan,” said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. “As Governor, Chris will continue his focus on giving individuals the tools they need to improve their lives and ensuring underserved communities are provided the critical resources needed to thrive. I am proud to provide my support and look forward to seeing Chris Swanson as our next Governor.”
“Chris Swanson revolutionized the way county jails operate by prioritizing the people in their care, custody, and control. Prioritizing their healing and their humanity. His vision for a better and safer community through jail programming has spread throughout the entire country. Recidivism is down. Jail lawsuits are down. And education and employment rates are rising. All because of Chris Swanson,” said Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Victoria Burton-Harris. “If he can do that in just one county, I can’t wait to see what he does in 83 counties as our next governor. Chris cares for people, leads with integrity, and has a proven track record of improving the lives of law enforcement and the public.”
Sheriff Swanson is one of the most hard working people I know and deeply cares about putting the people he serves above the politics. He has been there for me too many times to count, and I know he will keep that same energy when looking out for all of Michigan as Governor,” said Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer. “His out of the box thinking, and experience as a public safety leader will offer a unique and fresh perspective for the State of Michigan. In a time of bridging divides, he’s someone that will bring people together, and that’s needed now more than ever.”
“Sheriff Swanson has worked tirelessly to make sure his community is safe. In just a few short years, he coordinated a team of multi-jurisdictional staff to meet the demands of law enforcement regarding human trafficking. Due to his work and the team effort, Michigan has become a leader in human trafficking and child sex arrest and convictions,” said five-term Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller. “This and other partnerships coupled with his high energy and inclusive work proves to me he is a leader for change.”
“As the sheriff of my county with 25 years of law enforcement experience, I fully support Sheriff Chris Swanson‘s decision to run for the governor seat of our great state of Michigan,” said Presque Isle County Sheriff Joe Brewbaker. “I strongly believe he has what it takes to bring unity from across the aisle that will make our communities much safer.”
I am honored to endorse Chris Swanson for Governor of Michigan. I’ve worked in law-enforcement for over 40 years and I am confident that he will be a strong and effective leader,” said Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt. “In the years I’ve known Chris, he has earned nationwide recognition for his use of innovative criminal justice measures, including those aimed at catching child predators. He has demonstrated commitment to keeping our communities safe and holding offenders accountable. Chris Swanson has what it takes to be the next leader of Michigan, and I am proud to offer him my support.”
“Sheriff Swanson’s leadership is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about building bridges, fostering trust, and creating positive change in the community,” said Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith. “Sheriff Swanson is known for his ability to unite diverse groups, to be transparent, and to advocate for the interests of every citizen, regardless of background.”
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