Nesbitt outlines affordability, education and energy priorities in bid for Michigan governor

Republican candidate says high costs, regulations and education policies are driving families and jobs out of the state

LANSING, Mich - Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt says rising costs, declining education outcomes and state regulations are pushing families and businesses out of Michigan, arguing the state needs major policy changes to reverse those trends.

Click here to learn more about Aric Nesbitt from his campaign website.

In an interview, Nesbitt said he is running for governor to make Michigan more affordable and to create opportunities that encourage families and young people to stay in the state rather than leave for places like Tennessee and Indiana.

Nesbitt, a state senator from southwest Michigan, said he grew up on a sixth generation dairy and grape farm in Lawton and learned values of hard work and responsibility at a young age. He later earned a degree in economics from Hillsdale College and now has three young children.

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He said a personal experience during COVID era lockdowns shaped his decision to seek the state’s top office. Nesbitt said he was not allowed into a medical appointment with his wife because of state restrictions and later learned by text message that their unborn child had died in a miscarriage.

“That can never happen again in our state,” Nesbitt said, adding that the experience reinforced his belief that state government has too much power over individual families.

Nesbitt said Michigan families earn about $9,000 less on average than the national household income while paying more for energy, insurance and taxes. He said those costs are driving residents to other states with lower taxes and fewer regulations.

He pointed to Indiana as an example, saying that state has seen population growth over the past 25 years while Michigan’s population has largely stagnated. Nesbitt said Indiana’s lower taxes, energy costs and regulatory environment have encouraged investment and job creation.

Nesbitt criticized Michigan’s use of large incentive packages to attract businesses, calling them corporate welfare that has failed to produce promised jobs. He said reducing regulations, lowering taxes and reinstating right to work policies would be more effective at growing the economy.

On education, Nesbitt said Michigan schools are failing to prepare students for careers and life after graduation. He said parents have lost trust in the public school system and many families are choosing homeschooling or leaving the state altogether.

He said he supports school choice policies and expanded vocational and skilled trades education, arguing that not every student needs a four year college degree. Nesbitt said Michigan has lost a generation of trades workers and needs to refocus education on basic skills and workforce readiness.

Energy policy is another central issue in Nesbitt’s campaign. He said Michigan’s energy costs are too high and power reliability is declining. Nesbitt called for repealing the state’s clean energy policies, expanding natural gas, nuclear and coal power, and increasing domestic energy production to lower costs.

Nesbitt said the state is at a crossroads, arguing voters must choose between continuing current policies or changing direction to improve affordability, education and economic growth. He said he has visited all 83 Michigan counties, raised more than $3 million for his campaign and secured endorsements from law enforcement officials across the state.

The Republican primary for governor is scheduled for later this year, with the general election to follow in November.