This is one of the most important governor’s races in the country in 2026 — the open-seat race in Michigan.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, which means for the first time in eight years, Michigan voters will choose a new governor without an incumbent on the ballot. And anytime you have an open seat in a true swing state, the national stakes are high.

For Democrats, this is shaping up to be a competitive primary. Several well-known statewide and local leaders are making their case to voters, emphasizing experience, competence, and continuing progress on issues like jobs, infrastructure, and protecting fundamental rights. The Democratic field reflects the strength of the party’s bench in Michigan after years of winning tough statewide races. Today, you’ll hear directly from them. Meet Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Sheriff Chris Swanson.

👉 Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II is Michigan’s 64th lieutenant governor and a lifelong Detroiter. A former software engineer and public servant, he has focused his work on expanding economic opportunity, protecting access to clean water, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing equity across the state. Gilchrist brings a data-driven, people-first approach to governing Michigan’s future.

👉 Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s Secretary of State, where she oversees elections and motor vehicle services for millions of residents. A former law professor and nationally recognized expert on democracy and voting rights, she has led efforts to expand access to the ballot, protect election integrity, and modernize state services. Benson is known for her steady leadership and commitment to defending democratic institutions.

👉 Sheriff Chris Swanson is the elected sheriff of Genesee County, Michigan, where he has focused on community-based public safety, accountability, and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. A longtime law enforcement professional and reform-minded leader, Swanson is known for emphasizing prevention, transparency, and keeping communities safe while respecting civil rights.

What makes this race so important is that Michigan isn’t just any state. It’s a bellwether. It’s a place where working families, union households, rural and urban communities all come together — and where governors can make a real difference on economic growth, education, public safety, and protecting personal freedom.

This race is going to be competitive. It’s going to be expensive. And it’s going to matter — not just for Michigan, but for the direction of the country.

We’ll be watching it closely, because strong Democratic leadership at the state level has never been more important and Michigan is right at the center of that fight.

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Welcome to 2026 – we’re kicking off a brand-new series, Primed for 2026, with Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire.

In this episode, Pappas reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership — from growing up in Manchester to helping run his family’s iconic Puritan Backroom Restaurant, where chicken fingers were famously invented. He shares how his small-business background influences his approach to governing, and why working families remain at the center of his priorities.

We dive into the biggest challenges facing small businesses today, the rising cost of health care and prescription drugs, and the work still needed to properly support America’s veterans. Pappas also discusses cutting through the noise of national politics, why New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat matters on a national scale, and the importance of bringing a new generation of leadership to Washington.

He talks about what gives him hope for the country — and offers his must-see recommendations for anyone visiting the Granite State for the first time.

Primed for 2026 is a conversation series focused on ideas, motivations, and the future — not endorsements or predictions. Whether you’re deeply engaged in politics or just trying to stay informed, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of the candidates shaping the 2026 election cycle.

Plus, a very special segment with college students reacting to Andy's conversation with Chris Pappas and their hopes for the future of our country. It's going to be a great year, tune in now.

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Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Podcast family! We’re throwing it back today to two of our favorite interviews from the past year – straight shooter Mark Cuban and legendary Coach Cal.

Mark Cuban talks about his journey from selling garbage bags as a kid to successful entrepreneur many times over including his new ventures in transparent drug pricing and AI innovation. Coach Cal gives an inside look at coaching basketball at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. And as always, Andy goes beyond the professional to the personal — because that’s what really matters.

Put it on your headphones while you’re wrapping last-minute presents or on the speaker while you’re cooking turkey with the family. Either way, we’re honored to be a part of this special time of year. From the Andy Beshear Podcast studio, we’re wishing you and yours a peaceful and joyful holiday season. We’ll be back in 2026 with a brand-new, exciting mini-series highlighting all the important elections you need to watch.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. See you next year!

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This episode is the epitome of the Andy Beshear Podcast: we're talking politics – but we're talking a lot more than that. We start out with journalist/content creator Aaron Parnas and then pivot to country music star Walker Montgomery. From online political discourse to country music, we're bringing people together.

Aaron shares how he moved away from Trump and became one of the most influential Democratic content creators online with more than 4 million followers on TikTok. We talk about normalizing talking like real people, explaining complex topics, and reaching the other side from behind the screen. From affordability to redistricting, Aaron shares his take on what Democrats are doing well – and what they're not. He also shares insights on fighting misinformation, balancing speed with accuracy, staying authentic in a fast-moving media environment, and the moments that made him realize his voice was truly making an impact.

Off the back of a packed show with his dad, John Michael Montgomery, and a brand new record deal, Montgomery Walker joins us in-studio to share his family's iconic country music legacy and how he's carving his own path in the industry. Raised in a legendary country music family, Walker opens up about growing up surrounded by storytelling and songwriting, navigating the weight and motivation of a famous last name, and finding his own voice as an artist. With his rich baritone and honest songwriting, Walker reflects on staying grounded in his Kentucky roots, the power of music to connect and heal, and what’s next as he continues to build a career on his own terms. Ever wondered what's going on behind-the-scenes on a cross country road tour? Hint: there's a lot of popped tires and long days.

It’s an episode that blends culture, current events, and candid conversation – grounded in Kentucky, but connected to the bigger picture.

Check it out.

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Two great governors, two great conversations and one big announcement. Our latest episode comes to us from on-site at the Democratic Governors Association conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Andy joins Governor Katie Hobbs as she runs for re-election in the Grand Canyon state. She shares more about her track record, her social work roots and what exactly it is that makes Arizona so special. It's one of the top races to watch in 2026, tune in now as the race heats up. 🔥

Then Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas hops on the mic to share her insights with Andy as he takes on his new role as the DGA chair. Governor Kelly went two for two as chair this year, securing big wins in New Jersey and Virginia. Hear directly from two Democratic governors in red states about how Dem govs are uniquely poised to stay laser focused on their people and get things done. And you may even hear a little hint about what's next for these two...

And finally, we heard you loud and clear: by popular demand, Andy Beshear Podcast merch is officially available for purchase. 👕 Tune in to hear Will Beshear describe the new merch drop in Gen Z lingo and don't forget, Christmas is right around the corner! We've got the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list. ☕

Let's get to it.

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This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, our guests are some of America’s kids. Hear directly from teenagers about the issues they are worried about, where they get their news and how they view our crazy world. Their answers may surprise you. It’s their turn to talk and our turn to listen. And for everyone in our inbox, comments and DMs asking where Andy got his Andy Beshear Podcast hat, you're not going to want to miss the big announcement at the end. 👀👕

And we're back with John McConnell and Jon Rabonowitz – the Jo(h)ns – to talk about the important news of the week covering everything from Trump's Thanksgiving Day rant to Black Friday shopping. We're take a special deep dive into AI; the good, bad and the ugly.

This week's In My Kentucky Accent is all about what a president should – and shouldn't – post on a major holiday. Hint: it's not that complicated.

And finally, Will Beshear is back with a brand-new Gen Z Lingo and a bonus Ask Andy. What's Andy get roasted for around the house? Tune in to find out...

It's a classic Andy Beshear Podcast chock full of meaningful conversation, raw honesty and some (really) off-script moments. Let's get to it.

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Welcome to a special bonus episode! Looking for a quick recap of the best moments of the Andy Beshear Podcast so far? We've got you. From music to horses to politics, Season 1 had been a wild ride in trying new things, having real conversations and bringing people across the country together. 🎧

A few moments you won't want to miss: Meet Kentucky Derby winning trainer Kenny McPeek on-site at Churchill Downs, Senator Amy Klobuchar talks about Trump's attacks on farmers, Coach Cal deep dives about his legendary time at the University of Kentucky, movie producer and author Nicole Avant share why her dad was known as "The Black Godfather" and much more. It's been an incredible ride so far, and we've got much more to come. 📈 Thank you to our listeners who make it all possible. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe – it means a lot.

On this podcast we are authentic, we talk like real human beings, we don't debate reality, we tell our "why" and most importantly, we have fun. 🫂 Let's keep building meaningful connections through lasting conversations, together.

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This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, Andy sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern American politics — Congressman James E. Clyburn — to talk leadership, legacy, and his new book, The First Eight. It's a special Thanksgiving episode so Rep. Clyburn and Andy kick it off with a few things we are thankful for this season. This living legend shares his why, how politics has changed since he started out and his hopes for the future of this beautiful nation.

From Trump's meeting with Zohran Mamdani to Margerie Taylor Green's shocking announcement, it's been a topsy-turvy week in American politics and the Jo(h)ns are back to unpack it all. It's a special Thanksgiving episode plus someone's 48th birthday... 🎂👀

One of America’s most respected statesmen. A week of jaw-dropping headlines. And plenty of trademark Jo(h)ns chaos.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in anywhere you get your podcasts. 🎙️ Happy Thanksgiving, podcast fam! 🦃

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