Arguably the most important vote Michigan residents will cast next week is for governor. The top of the ticket has two candidates, both campaigning hard in a very close race. While the polls favored Governor Whitmer for quite some time, recently her Republican opponent, Tudor Dixon, rose in the polls and the race has tightened to single digits.

The incumbent, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is running for her second term in office. She is a long-time figure in Michigan Democratic politics, having served in the Michigan House and Senate, including a role as Senate Democratic Leader. Additionally, she served as the interim Ingham County Prosecutor. She earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Michigan State University. Her running mate, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, has been an active part of the executive office during his tenure, including leading multiple task forces. Prior to his election, he was a software engineer, social entrepreneur, and community organizer. He holds a degree in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Michigan.

Her opponent, Republican candidate Tudor Dixon, is a newcomer to the world of politics. She comes from a career in the steel industry and industrial sales and spent time working in conservative media. Running alongside her for lt. governor is former State Representative Shane Hernandez. He served two terms in the House, including time as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Following his service in the House, he worked as the policy director for House Speaker Jason Wentworth. He began his career as an architectural designer.

The race includes a number of third-party candidates:

• • Libertarian Party – Mary Buzuma
  • S. Taxpayers Party – Donna Brandenburg
  • Green Party – Kevin Hogan
  • Natural Law Party – Daryl Simpson

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