Primary
Democratic Primary
Held August 4, 2026.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jocelyn Benson ✓ | 1,247,174 | 83.2% | |
| Christopher Robert Swanson | 251,762 | 16.8% |
Republican Primary
Held August 4, 2026.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| John James ✓ | 466,232 | 58.7% | |
| Perry Johnson | 327,910 | 41.3% |
Full calendar and every race: Michigan primary guide
Race Overview
General Election Polling Trend
Showing the published average. The rating above uses this figure.
The right edge is that same average of the last three polls. This is an average, not a forecast.
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Candidates
Jocelyn Benson Nominee
DemocratJohn James Nominee
RepublicanGeneral Election Polling Average
LV = likely voters · RV = registered voters · ± = margin of error · R-sponsored / D-sponsored / I-sponsored = paid for by a Republican, Democratic, or Independent group · "missed 2024 by X pts" = that firm's average miss in 2024
Average is the unweighted mean of the last three scientific public polls. Fewer than three uses the polls that exist. The rating uses that average when the newest poll ended in the last 30 days. The table lists the polls in that average, plus the most recent 30 days or the newest 3 polls, whichever is more — subscribe for the full history. How accurate is each pollster? →
| Pollster | Date | Sample | MoE | Dem | Rep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State/YouGov In average | 2026-10-19 this poll | 863 LV | ±4.40 | Jocelyn Benson 53.00% | John James 41.00% |
| Marist missed 2024 by 4.3 pts In average | 2026-10-18 this poll | 1185 LV | ±4.30 | Jocelyn Benson 51.00% | John James 45.00% |
| YouGov In average | 2026-10-04 this poll | 3949 LV | ±2.50 | Jocelyn Benson 48.00% | John James 45.00% |
| Z to A Research D-sponsored Not in average | 2026-10-01 this poll | 483 LV | Jocelyn Benson 50.00% | John James 40.00% | |
| Mitchell Research & Communications Not in average | 2026-10-01 this poll | 682 LV | ±3.80 | Jocelyn Benson 46.00% | John James 39.00% |
| Fox News Poll Not in average | 2026-09-28 this poll | 1028 LV | ±3.00 | Jocelyn Benson 54.00% | John James 45.00% |
| Guidant Polling & Strategy R-sponsored Not in average | 2026-09-27 this poll | 800 LV | ±3.50 | Jocelyn Benson 50.00% | John James 45.00% |
| Marist missed 2024 by 4.3 pts Not in average | 2026-09-27 this poll | 1235 RV | ±3.80 | Jocelyn Benson 53.00% | John James 41.00% |
Questions About This Race
Who is winning the 2026 Michigan governor's race?
Jocelyn Benson leads John James 50.7% to 43.7% in the PollingSource polling average — a D+7.0 margin based on 3 polls, the last three or fewer.
Is the 2026 Michigan governor's race competitive?
It is not considered a top-tier battleground: the PollingSource polling average rates it Likely D, the current rating band. An upset is not impossible.
What does the latest poll of the 2026 Michigan governor's race say?
The most recent poll in our average, from Michigan State/YouGov (completed October 19, 2026), found Jocelyn Benson (D) at 53% and John James (R) at 41%.
When is the 2026 Michigan governor's race decided?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
How is the PollingSource average calculated?
The PollingSource average is the unweighted mean of the last three scientific public polls, or fewer when fewer exist. One poll sets the rating when it ended in the last 30 days. We do not exclude pollsters. The table lists recent polls, including ones older than those three. Full details: pollingsource.com/methodology.
Race Notes
Term-limited, open seat
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