MichMash: Genesee Co. Sheriff Chris Swanson on his gubernatorial run, vision for Democratic Party
Swanson shared what he would bring to the table as Michigan’s next governor, and what he believes the Democratic Party needs moving forward.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson shares why he is running for governor of Michigan on MichMash.
This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson sat down with Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben to share why he’s running and what he believes the Democratic Party needs moving forward.
Plus, Gorchow and Kasben analyze the recent collaboration — and conflicts — between Michigan’s Democratic-led Senate and Republican-led House.
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In this episode:
- Quick update on Michigan’s 2025 legislative session
- How Michigan’s gubernatorial race is heating up
- Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson on what motivated him to run
Gorchow and Kasben quickly recapped the first few months of the 2025 legislative session and what issues have garnered bipartisan support and which have led Democratic and Republican lawmakers to butt heads.
“We are currently living through a time where the Senate is suing the House for not presenting bills to the governor for signature,” Kasben noted. “These are nine bills left over from last term, when Democrats did control the House, and the Republicans in the House are sending Senate Democrats items that are mostly just nonstarters, or at the very least, not really being negotiated with the Democrats.”
Sheriff Swanson — who was elected sheriff of Michigan’s fifth-largest county in 2020 — announced his bid for governor in February, joining a growing field of several other prominent candidates, including fellow Democrat and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan — who is running for governor as an independent. More recently, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist launched his Democratic bid, while on the Republican side, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt also announced his candidacy, with U.S. Rep. John James also considered a possible contender.
Swanson says he considers the other candidates as simply alternative options, rather than his opponents.
“When I was working with the Biden administration and then I worked with the DNC and the Kamala Harris campaign, I saw the need of what Democrats are looking for…this community of Democrats, these voters, are looking for something completely different. I bring a completely different option. I bring a unique energy,” he said.
The race to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term limited, is expected to spark competitive primaries.
More from WDET:
- Garlin Gilchrist announces bid for governor, saying he’s a ‘problem solver’
- MichMash: Looking back on the state’s top political stories of 2024
- MichMash: State lawmakers return to Michigan Capitol for first day of new session
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