“I’m working like everything depends on it because for the state of Michigan it does” – Swanson
FLINT – Last week, Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his run for governor of Michigan at a packed event in Flint. On Friday, he hit the ground running on a media tour through Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Flint to get his message out early to voters – to protect, serve, and unify on behalf of Michigan.
This all comes as he’s earned early support from labor unions, law enforcement officials, and local leaders. In less than a week, Swanson has demonstrated clear momentum carrying him into the months ahead. Media outlets across the state took notice of what sets him apart in entering this race.
READ: What They Are Saying:
- Associated Press: ”As a sheriff, I take care of people. I protect people, I serve and I bring folks together. We’ve done that in Genesee County. Now, it’s time to do it for the entire state of Michigan and all 10 million people.”…The sheriff’s appeal as a non-traditional candidate could resonate in a battleground state like Michigan, where winning requires broad, cross-party support. In the 2024 election, Swanson was reelected with 65% of the vote in Genesee County.
- WNEM: “He’s going to be a serious contender, and I think he’s going to bring some energy that we haven’t seen in many political races for a long time,” said retired professor Paul Rozycki…It’s a move that Rozycki said is highlighted by Swanson’s commitment to community engagement and reform…“Particularly some of the things he’s done as sheriff are so unique that they’re going to be a strong selling point.”
- MLive: Chris Swanson…had a simple ask for Michiganders who are looking for someone to support for Governor in 2026: “Walk with me”…He articulated his desire to help people, lead with inspiration and emphasized the importance of a problem-solving leader who can unify people.
- Detroit Free Press: [Swanson] laid out how he would approach the job if elected governor, vowing to bring a customer service mindset to state government…“When there is a challenge, we’ll solve it. When there’s a crisis, we will bring calm. And when there’s an opportunity, we’re going to seize it…”
- Fox News: A high-profile sheriff in Michigan announced his bid to run for governor…the race is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested political battles of 2026…”I believe everyone has value. Michigan has value. It’s why I’ve always tried to find ways to help and bring people together. I believe that together, we are tough enough to win for Michigan.”
WATCH: Swanson on his Vision for Michigan
- WDIV Flashpoint: “People need to see Lansing and government as a help center, that means accessibility.” On education, “I’ve been on faculty at the University of Michigan for 27 years…it’s about saying where are the gaps and let’s fill them, incentivizing on meritocracy…everybody wants to be incentivized and recognized.”
- Fox 2 Detroit: “32 years on the job taking care of people on their worst day… being a part of solving big problems and putting people’s lives back together. It’s time to take it to 10 million people.” “…If you look at my history and what I’ve done as a sheriff, a business owner, a faculty member…there’s no guessing what kind of person I’m going to be as a governor. How I take care of people, how I protect, not only your families and schools and kids, but serve and bring people together.”
- WILX Lansing: [Swanson] says bringing people together will be at the core of his campaign…”Unity. To bring people together to find common ground”…he’s ready to take on the field of high-profile opponents, confidently proclaiming ‘he will not be outworked.’ “I don’t quit, I don’t give up…I’m working like everything depends on it because for the state of Michigan it does.”
- WEYI Flint: “I’ve had a whole career of public service…pouring into people is something I’ve been built to do.” When asked about his top issues, he said “public safety, education and the economy.” “Eggs are seven dollars and that impacts people. I’m a business owner… and I know that when you create small businesses, you help support existing businesses, create new manufacturing, new industries with technological advancements, start up software companies, we have so many assets in Michigan to attract businesses..those are all going to be priority on day one.”
- On addressing public safety, “If you look at what we’ve done in Genesee County, crime’s down 17%, murder’s down 40%, [there’s been a] 23% reduction in crime…IGNITE will be the statewide norm. I don’t know of another government program that drops crime by 23%.”
- WZZM Grand Rapids: Swanson first came to national prominence during the nationwide protests in the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd…choosing to march with the protestors. “That moment is leadership…when you’re in high crisis and you’ve got to make a decision, that’s not the time to phone a friend. Preparing in peace to perform in chaos.”
- On the economy, “Michigan has a growing economy, but we have so much more to do and so much growth potential,” Swanson said. “I’ve owned businesses my whole life, on top of working for the government…Any legislation that helps protect, serve and unify – that’s what I’m gonna get behind.”
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