Why Mike Cox says he's running for governor in ‘decisive' election
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Another candidate for governor emerged this week when former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox announced he was running.
Calling next year's election, 'decisive,' he joined U.S. Rep. John James and state Sen. Aric Nesbitt, who are also running for the Republican nomination.
Cox told News 8 that the state's education system has not improved despite increased funding and that's something he would focus on if elected, along with making sure jobs come back to the state.
'It's tragic to me that now our kids have fallen behind the whole country, literally, our fourth graders in reading. There's only two states behind us New Mexico and Alaska. We're back up to the second highest unemployment in America,' Cox said. 'And I know I have the skills, I know how to build a team, I know how to build a campaign and think this is a moment, not so much for me but for Michigan. 2026 is going to be decisive because it's really, do we get up off the ground and fight or do we accept more decline?'
Fully a year before the filing deadline, the field has already grown with a number of notable candidates. Democrats Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have announced their campaigns. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says he is running as an independent.
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