Candice Miller Says She Won't Run For Michigan Governor

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller will not run for governor in Michigan in 2022, she said Monday in a Facebook post.

“I appreciate the support of the people of Macomb County in my recent re-election and I am committed to fulfilling my duties here," Miller said Monday. "Improving water quality in our magnificent Great Lakes, upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure and being a positive component of economic prosperity for Macomb County – these remain my focus.”

Miller, a former congresswoman, had been mentioned repeatedly as a possible Republican challenger to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Miller has served in various levels of government, both at the state and local levels, and often serving as a trailblazer as the first woman to hold her respective positions.

In 1980, she was elected Harrison Township Supervisor, becoming the youngest person and first woman in the township’s history to hold the post, according to the Macomb County webpage bio.

She was elected Macomb County Treasurer in 1992 — also the first woman to hold that position. In 1994, she was elected as Michigan's first female Secretary of State. She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002.

She became Macomb County's 11th Public Works Commissioner in 2016.

The 66-year-old Miller has been described as a "dream candidate," whose name has been mentioned with the likes of Lee Chatfield and John James as potential candidates.

Another name Republicans can expect not to see in the hunt for the governor's seat? Mike Shirkey. The Michigan Senate Majority leader told The Detroit News recently that he has "no interest" in running for governor.