Gubernatorial Candidate Series

The Road to 2026: Meet Michigan’s Candidates for Governor

Election 2026 is gearing up and SBAM and the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) are committed to providing opportunities to hear from candidates in the race for governor.

We are inviting all major gubernatorial candidates to meet with small business owners through a series of events. This will give you the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their vision for the state and for the small business community.

Details on the upcoming events are provided below. Stay tuned for additional dates to be added.

Upcoming Events

Join SBAM and MBBA on the Road to 2026!

Ticket Prices:

SBAM VIP & Elite Members: Free
Starter, Basic, Premium Members: $30*

Meet Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D)

February 4, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Detroit

SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley and MBBA President & CEO Charity Dean will moderate a town hall style event with candidate Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) with reception to follow.

Meet Sheriff Chris Swanson (D)

January 28, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Grand Rapids

SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley and MBBA President & CEO Charity Dean will moderate a town hall style event with candidate Sheriff Chris Swanson (D) as part of SBAM’s Owner2Owner event.

*This event is free as part of SBAM’s O2O series.

Meet Mike Cox (R)

January 21, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Lansing

SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley and MBBA President & CEO Charity Dean will moderate a town hall style event with candidate Mike Cox (R), with reception to follow.

Meet Tom Leonard (R)

This event has passed. A video recording will be available soon for VIP and Elite members.

Meet Senator Aric Nesbitt (R)

This event has passed. A video recording is available to SBAM’s VIP & Elite members. Login to view it below.

Meet Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II (D)

This event has passed. A video recording is available to SBAM’s VIP & Elite members. Login to view it below.

Meet Mayor Mike Duggan (I)

This event has passed. A video recording is available to SBAM’s VIP & Elite members. Login to view it below.