MLIVE: ‘Protect. Serve. Unify.’ Sheriff Chris Swanson launches campaign for Michigan governor
DYLAN GOETZ
FLINT, MI — Chris Swanson, the Genesee County sheriff who entered the Michigan governor race, had a simple ask for Michiganders who are looking for someone to support for Governor in 2026: “Walk with me.”
It’s the same message the sheriff shared with thousands after removing his police helmet, dropping his baton and joining a march to protest the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Swanson referred to the moment when he laid out his plans to seek the top state office in Michigan during a news conference at Mott Community College on Feb. 6.
He articulated his desire to help people, lead with inspiration and emphasized the importance of a problem-solving leader who can unify people.
“I want to help people. That’s it,” Swanson said.
The Genesee County sheriff vowed to protect Constitutional rights, civil rights, bargaining rights, second amendment rights, personal rights and the economy if elected as Michigan’s governor.
The State of Michigan will be rebranded as the “Help Center of Lansing,” and Swanson will lead with a service mindset – making the government work for the people.
Swanson even pitched an idea for a state-sheriff network that would work to solve local and regional issues.
“Between the sheriff and the governor, we’ve got your back,” Swanson said.
Swanson decried division and hate in politics, saying that his campaign will “blaze a new trail” and inspire a new generation of local leadership.
“This campaign will not be an attack campaign. We will shine the light,” Swanson said.
The five-time Ironman finisher said his “hustle” will give him the edge.
“I’m bringing pure energy to Michigan,” Swanson said.
When the campaign event began, Swanson entered the Mott Community College Event Center from a backroom to the sound of “300 Violin Orchestra.” He shook hands and thanked supporters before grabbing the mic and declaring his campaign for governor of Michigan.
Swanson also touted the IGNITE jailhouse education program and GHOST (Global Human Oppression Strike Team) as two initiatives that set a national standard in jails across the country.
Hearkening back to his childhood, Swanson said he knew he wanted to lead and inspire others early on. He told stories of working as a paramedic, helping asthma patients by providing life-saving support.
“I would see life come back in their eyes because at that moment, and you felt this, nothing else mattered,” Swanson said.
Leaders from local unions shouted out Swanson during his speech, saying they would “walk with him” to the governor’s office in 2026.
Swanson graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1990. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Mott Community College and the University of Michigan.
He joined the sheriff’s department as an intern in 1991 before being hired permanently in the marine division later that year, according to MLive-The Flint Journal files. He spent time in the paramedic and jail divisions and worked in the Flint Area Narcotics Group.
Swanson joined the detective bureau in 2000 as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in 2004. He became a captain before he was promoted to undersheriff in 2011.
Swanson is the second Democrat to officially step into the race, following Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s announcement in January.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is seeking the office as an independent and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) announced his campaign for the Republican nomination last month.