Conservative Online Host Tudor Dixon Announces Run For Michigan Governor

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The co-host of a conservative online news show announced her run for Michigan governor Thursday, becoming the latest candidate to enter the 2022 Republican primary in a bid to challenge Democrat Gretchen Whitmer.

On Thursday, May 20 Tudor Dixon announced her run for Michigan governor. Credit: Tudor Dixon

Tudor Dixon, who helps to host "America's Voice Live," said she formerly worked in sales in the steel industry and is a breast cancer survivor and mother of four girls ages 7 to 11.

"We must liberate Michiganders from lockdowns and unleash them to innovate, work and reap the fruits of their labor," the 44-year-old from Norton Shores said in a statement that accused the first-term governor of "failed leadership."

She is the sixth Republican — and first woman — to announce a bid or to form a gubernatorial committee. All are lesser-known candidates without major government experience who tout their outsider status.

Soon-to-be-retired Detroit Police Chief James Craig also may run. Others considering it include businessman and Iraq War veteran John James, the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020 and 2018, and businesswoman Lena Epstein, who ran for a congressional seat in suburban Detroit in 2018.

Whitmer has said coronavirus restrictions are needed to save lives. She is urging vaccinations. The state recently eased mask requirements. Capacity limits and gathering caps remain in place and will soon be loosened.

On Thursday the Michigan Democratic Party responded to Dixon's announcement with a statement.

"The recruitment car crash continues in the Republican race for governor. Tudor Dixon's entry further confirms what we already know: Extremists have completely overrun the MIGOP," said Rodericka Applewhaite, MDP spokesperson.

Applewhaite said voters will have to "brace themselves for a race to the bottom that will feature purity tests on being anti-vaxx and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Big Lie."

"We're confident that this shallow field of extremists is a direct result of the strong, steady leadership that continues to define Governor Whitmer's first term. As we exit this pandemic, Michiganders will recall her record of saving lives, helping our economy recover, making the largest investment in K-12 education in state history - without raising taxes - and creating 11,000 new auto jobs," said Applewhaite.

For the Michigan Democratic Party's full statement, visit here.

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