MIKE COX ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR

Announces on Tax Day with Commitment to Repeal Michigan’s Tax on Work

DETROIT — Mike Cox, former Michigan Attorney General, U.S. Marine, veteran homicide prosecutor, and successful businessman today announced his campaign for Governor of Michigan.

“Michigan is getting weaker, poorer, and less free under Gretchen Whitmer,” Cox said. “While she grows the government, families are crushed by taxes, regulations, and woke priorities. Too many of our children are leaving. Enough is enough. I’m running to fight for Michigan families. I will eliminate the income tax—what I call the tax on work—restore Right to Work, and return power to Michigan’s workers, families, and small businesses.”

WHY IT MATTERS

Cox is the first Republican elected Attorney General in nearly 50 years—and a two-time statewide winner. He’s launching his campaign on Tax Day with a bold plan to:

  • Eliminate the state income tax

  • Restore Right to Work

  • End DEI mandates in government and schools

  • Overhaul public education with a focus on core skills and accountability

  • Cut spending and shrink bureaucracy through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The campaign also released a 2-minute video, “Mike Cox for Governor: Make Michigan Great Again,” outlining his vision for Michigan. Watch it at MikeCox2026.com

MICHIGAN UNDER WHITMER

Cox enters the race citing deep concerns about the state’s direction:

  • State budget grew by 53%

  • Real wages dropped 13%

  • Job ranking fell to 45th worst in the nation

  • 4th grade reading scores dropped nearly a full grade level

  • Michigan now leads the nation in population loss

“Today’s Tax Day – an annual reminder that Whitmer grew government by billions. That same money could eliminate the income tax entirely,” said Cox. “Like President Trump, I have a record of no-nonsense governing—cutting through bureaucracy, taking on the elites, and getting real results. I will be a partner with President Trump–making Michigan and America—great again. It’s time we stop punishing work and start fighting for the people who pay the bills.”

THE MIKE COX AGENDA

  • End the Tax on Work: Eliminate the state income tax to reward workers and grow the economy.

  • Overhaul Education: Empower families, focus on core skills, and demand real results.

  • DOGE Michigan Government: Cut waste, shrink bureaucracy, and deliver results.

  • End DEI: Eliminate DEI mandates in government hiring, contracting, and schools.
    Restore Right to Work: Reinstate protections for workers’ freedom and stop forced unionization.

“Michigan doesn’t need more management—we need a leader with a clear mission and the will to fight,” Cox said. “We need bold, unapologetic leadership that puts our people first—not the insiders, not the special interests, and not the woke bureaucrats. I’m running to fight for every Michigander who’s been left behind—and together, we will Make Michigan Great Again.”

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Media Contact:

Troy Hudson

Mike Cox for Governor

troy@mikecox2026.com

(269) 501-1021