Pastor Ralph Rebandt pitches outsider campaign in bid for Michigan governor
Why Rebandt says he will be the best choice for Michigan.
Pastor Ralph Rebandt, a Republican candidate for Michigan governor, says his campaign is rooted in restoring trust in state government, cutting taxes, and bringing what he calls common sense leadership to Lansing.
Rebandt, a longtime pastor from Wayne County, told interviewer Dave Bondy that his decision to run for governor was driven largely by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s handling of the COVID 19 pandemic and what he views as unchecked growth in state government.
Rebandt said he grew up in Woodhaven and worked a wide range of jobs before entering ministry, including construction, masonry, carpentry, concrete work, and union labor. He said he helped plant more than two dozen churches across Michigan and neighboring states and served for years in leadership roles within church organizations.
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He described his campaign as a calling rather than a political ambition and said he would not be running if he did not believe he could win both the Republican primary and the general election.
Rebandt criticized political polling and media coverage that focuses on higher profile candidates, arguing that polls often overlook voters who have not traditionally participated in elections. He said his campaign strategy is focused on reaching those voters by traveling across the state and holding direct conversations in communities often ignored by major campaigns.
On policy, Rebandt said his top priorities include improving affordability, strengthening the economy, and reducing taxes. He said he would aggressively use the governor’s veto power to block spending bills he believes contribute to government overreach and higher taxes.
Rebandt also outlined proposals aimed at workforce development and criminal justice reform. One idea he discussed involves partnering with businesses to provide early employment opportunities for certain inmates nearing release, which he said could reduce incarceration costs while helping individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
He said he opposes what he called corporate welfare and argued that the state should stop directing large sums of taxpayer money to select companies. Instead, Rebandt said economic development efforts should focus on Michigan residents and small businesses already operating in the state.
Rebandt also criticized the evolution of labor unions, particularly public sector and teachers unions, saying they have become political organizations rather than advocates for workers. He said he would support restoring right to work policies in Michigan.
Despite running as a Republican, Rebandt said he would be willing to work with Democrats and independents if elected. He said his experience as a pastor has shaped his approach to leadership and dialogue, emphasizing listening and collaboration over party labels.
Rebandt said his campaign message centers on character, transparency, and accountability. He told Bondy that he is not seeking long term political advancement but wants to improve conditions in Michigan so future generations will choose to stay in the state rather than leave for opportunities elsewhere.
More information about Rebandt’s campaign can be found on his website,
His ideas sounded great until he said he was for right to work. Everyone has the right to work for jobs they are qualified to do. What cannot happen and does in right to work states is, you and the boss have a personality clash. You do everything the boss asks of you, you even do more and end up getting the axe because the boss's best friend recommended someone and you find yourself on the street for no other reason that the boss doesn't like you.. That's not right to work, that's abuse of power, but under right to work they don't need a reason.