Bill Schuette To Announce Bid For Governor

METRO DETROIT, MI — Attorney General Bill Schuette is expected to announce his candidacy to be Michigan’s next governor Tuesday evening, according to multiple media reports. He is set to make the announcement at a fundraising barbecue dinner in Midland, Schuette’s hometown, the Detroit News reported.

While he is term-limited from running again, Schuette is asking attendees for contributions to his attorney general candidate committee. The Detroit News reported that contributions range from $50 to $1,000.

“Bill’s BBQ is a fun night every year, and this year promises to be the best night yet,” spokesman John Sellek told the newspaper last week.

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If he does formally announce, many political pundits say he would become the front-runner. Thus far, State Sen. Patrick Colbeck of Canton and Dr. Jim Hines of Saginaw have thrown their names in the hat for the Republican nomination.

It’s widely believed that Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will announce his candidacy in the coming months. The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Calley is planning number of townhall meetings around the state to gather feedback before making a final decision.

Gretchen Whitmer appears to have the early lead on the Democrat’s side, although Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel could challenge if he joins the race. Detroit Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is also in the running for his party’s nomination.

As for Schuette, he comes with a long pedigree of public service. The Detroit Free Press reported that his political career began in 1991 when he went to work for Republican Gov. John Engler as Michigan Director of Agriculture.

Schuette went on to the state senate, serving from 1995-2002. He then spent time as a judge in the Michigan Court of Appeals before becoming Michigan Attorney General in 2011.

Photo by Bill Pugliano / Stringer / Getty Images News / Getty Images