Anthony Hudson: Genesee County Truck Driver Secures Libertarian Nomination for Governor

The race for Michigan's highest office has a new official contender, and he has deep roots in Genesee County. Anthony Hudson, an Atlas resident and local truck driver, has officially secured the Libertarian Party nomination for the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election, according to recent campaign announcements and independent reporting.

Hudson’s transition to the top of the Libertarian ticket comes after a highly publicized exit from the Republican Party earlier this year. The Genesee County resident initially sought the GOP nomination but switched his affiliation in February 2026, citing a desire to fight for voters "away from the two-party system," as reported by the Michigan Advance.

For Genesee County voters, Hudson’s candidacy adds a distinct local flavor to an already crowded and historic race. He joins another prominent local figure, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

Hudson’s platform centers heavily on economic relief and deregulation. According to his official campaign website, his top priorities include the total elimination of property taxes, state income taxes, and annual auto registration fees. He also advocates for transitioning Michigan from no-fault to at-fault auto insurance and eliminating the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in favor of sending road funding directly to county road commissions.

The candidate's platform also wades into energy and environmental debates. Hudson has proposed eliminating state land use for solar and wind farms, ending renewable energy mandates, and halting the development of electric vehicle battery plants in the state.

Hudson, who moved to Michigan 13 years ago from Texas, frequently references his background as a working-class truck driver and U.S. Army veteran in his pitch to voters. "I am the only candidate that is fighting to protect you, save you money and preserve a better quality of life for you and your family," Hudson stated on his campaign website.

The Libertarian nominee’s path to the general election ballot comes amid a turbulent political landscape in Michigan. The 2026 race to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is widely considered a toss-up by political analysts. Hudson will share the ballot with the eventual Democratic and Republican nominees as the Libertarian standard-bearer in November.

Hudson’s departure from the GOP was not without friction. Following his switch to the Libertarian Party, the Oakland County Republican Party issued a statement describing his exit as "predictable," while Hudson maintained he was unfairly treated and silenced by party leadership, according to the Michigan Advance.

As the general election approaches in November 2026, Hudson is aiming to position the Libertarian Party as a viable alternative for Michiganders dissatisfied with the traditional political establishment.