Tudor Dixon Mulls Another Run for Michigan Statewide Office in 2026
Tudor Dixon, a prominent business executive, conservative commentator, and the 2022 Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan, is seriously contemplating another bid for statewide office in the 2026 election cycle. Dixon is weighing her options, considering a run for either the open U.S. Senate seat or the Governor’s office, both of which present significant opportunities to shape the future of the Great Lakes state.
"I want to do the most good for our beloved state," Dixon announced Tuesday in a statement released on social media. "That’s why I’m considering a run for Governor or U.S. Senate. Both races present unique opportunities and different ways to benefit Michigan." She added that she will "decide soon where my experience and talents would most benefit the state we love so dearly."
Dixon’s potential entry into either race would significantly alter the political landscape in Michigan, a crucial battleground state in national elections. Her strong conservative credentials and high name recognition, built during her 2022 gubernatorial campaign, make her a formidable contender in either contest.
In her statement, Dixon aligned herself closely with former President Donald Trump, highlighting his leadership and policy agenda. "He is leading the way nationally. He is delivering on his promises to secure the border, bring manufacturing jobs home and boost energy independence," she argued. "I am committed to standing with President Trump to deliver on the America First agenda here in Michigan."
Trump’s endorsement proved pivotal to Dixon’s success in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, propelling her to the nomination. However, she ultimately lost the general election to incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer by a margin of ten percentage points. Whitmer, now term-limited, will not be eligible to run for re-election in 2026, creating an open field for both parties.
The Race for Governor Takes Shape
The 2026 gubernatorial race is already attracting a crowded field of potential candidates from both sides of the aisle. On the Republican side, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt has already announced his candidacy. He will likely face competition from other prominent Republicans should Dixon choose to enter the race.
The Democratic field is equally competitive, with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson having already announced their intentions to run. Additionally, Detroit’s Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan has announced his plans to run as an independent candidate, further complicating the dynamics of the race. Duggan’s entry adds an unpredictable element to the election, potentially drawing support from both Democratic and Republican voters.
The Battle for the U.S. Senate Seat
The race to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who will not seek a third term in 2026, is also shaping up to be a highly contested battle. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who previously ran for Senate in 2024, has expressed strong interest in making another bid. He recently hired veteran Republican strategist Chris LaCivita, who served as a co-campaign manager for Trump’s 2024 campaign, as a senior advisor, signaling his seriousness about a potential run.
Rogers narrowly lost to Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the 2024 election to fill the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. Slotkin, who significantly outspent Rogers, won by a slim margin of roughly 19,000 votes.
In addition to Dixon and Rogers, other Republicans considering a Senate run include Rep. John James, a two-term Congressman and former Senate nominee in 2018 and 2020, and longtime Rep. Bill Huizenga.
On the Democratic side, State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, the majority whip in Lansing, is considered a likely candidate. McMorrow gained national attention in 2022 for her impassioned floor speech in the Michigan Senate, which was widely praised as a powerful response to Republican attacks.
Other Democrats who have expressed interest in running include two-term Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Congresswoman Haley Stevens. The field is further complicated by Pete Buttigieg’s recent announcement that he will not seek the Senate seat in Michigan. Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary in President Biden’s administration, had been considered a potential frontrunner. His decision has cleared the path for other Democrats to emerge as leading contenders. Buttigieg’s move is widely seen as allowing him to maintain flexibility for a potential presidential run in 2028.
Dixon’s Decision and Its Implications
Dixon’s decision will have significant ramifications for both the gubernatorial and Senate races. If she chooses to run for Governor, she would instantly become a leading contender for the Republican nomination, potentially reshaping the field and altering the strategies of other candidates. Her strong conservative base and statewide name recognition would provide her with a significant advantage.
Alternatively, if Dixon opts to run for the Senate, she would enter a crowded field of potential Republican candidates. Her ability to raise campaign funds and mobilize conservative voters would be crucial in a competitive primary. A general election matchup against a strong Democratic candidate like McMorrow, Nessel, or Stevens would be a closely watched and highly contested race.
As Dixon weighs her options, the political landscape in Michigan remains in a state of flux. Her decision will undoubtedly be influenced by a variety of factors, including her assessment of the political climate, her fundraising capabilities, and her personal ambitions. Regardless of her choice, Tudor Dixon’s potential return to the political arena in 2026 will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to the already dynamic political landscape in Michigan. Her strong ties to the conservative movement and her experience as a gubernatorial nominee make her a force to be reckoned with in either race. The coming months will be crucial as Dixon deliberates and ultimately decides where she believes she can best serve the state of Michigan.
