Anthony Hudson pitches sweeping tax cuts, smaller government in Michigan governor’s race
Hudson campaigns on tax repeal, government downsizing and education overhaul
MASON, Mich. — Anthony Hudson, a Republican candidate for Michigan governor, is campaigning on a platform of aggressive tax cuts, government downsizing, and sweeping changes to education and energy policy, arguing the state has suffered decades of failure under career politicians.
Click here to learn more about Anthony Hudson by looking at his website.
Hudson, a career truck driver and small business owner, said his campaign is focused on what he describes as restoring economic freedom and reversing policies he believes are driving residents out of Michigan. In an interview, Hudson said high taxes, expensive auto insurance, and what he called government overreach have eroded the state’s competitiveness compared with places such as Texas and Florida.
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Hudson, who moved to Michigan about 15 years ago to be closer to his children, said he entered politics after becoming frustrated with state leadership, including governors from both parties. He briefly ran for president before endorsing Donald Trump and later launched campaigns for Congress and governor.
“I think we are where we are today because of failed leadership going back decades,” Hudson said, blaming what he described as entrenched political interests in Lansing for stagnant wages and rising costs.
Among Hudson’s top proposals are eliminating Michigan’s state income tax, abolishing property taxes, repealing the state’s no-fault auto insurance system, and ending annual vehicle registration fees. He said shrinking or eliminating state departments would free up billions of dollars that could be returned to taxpayers.
Hudson also outlined a plan to consolidate Michigan’s 539 school districts into countywide systems, arguing it would reduce administrative costs and redirect money into classroom instruction focused on core subjects and skilled trades. He said politics should be removed from public school curricula.
On energy policy, Hudson criticized wind and solar development, saying they provide too little power for the land and resources used. He said he would push for deregulation, increased competition, and expanded use of nuclear, natural gas, and other energy sources to lower costs and increase reliability.
Hudson said he opposes large data center developments, arguing they strain water supplies and electrical grids while providing limited local benefits. He also criticized state economic development incentives, saying taxpayer dollars should not be given upfront to companies that may never deliver promised jobs.
The candidate acknowledged skepticism about his chances in a crowded Republican field that includes better-known and better-funded candidates, but said voter frustration with the political establishment gives him confidence.
“You don’t change the system by staying inside the status quo,” Hudson said. “People are looking for someone different.”
Hudson said that even if he does not secure the Republican nomination, he would consider continuing his campaign through other ballot options, saying voters should have an alternative to establishment-backed candidates.
He said his campaign relies heavily on grassroots events and social media outreach rather than large donors, and he plans to continue traveling the state to collect signatures and promote his platform ahead of the 2026 election.