I am running for Governor to make Michigan the most prosperous state in the nation

LANSING — Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is running for governor, he announced on his website early Tuesday morning.

“I am running for Governor to make Michigan the most prosperous state in the nation,” he wrote. “I represent a new generation, and in a time of extreme polarization and soundbite candidates, a real and sincere approach to public service.”

Calley, 40, teased a major announcement people thought would be a gubernatorial run. However, at that time he instead announced a petition drive in support of a part-time legislature.

Calley worked in banking before starting his political career at the local level, and was first elected to the legislature in 2006. He served two terms in the House of Representatives before being selected as a running mate by Gov. Rick Snyder.

At 33 years old when he took office as lieutenant governor in 2011, he was the youngest lieutenant governor in the nation and second youngest in Michigan history. In that role, he has spearheading issues like the personal property tax repeal, special education and funding for autism treatment.

In October, he kicked off a listening tour where he aimed to have “real discussions” with Michigan residents around the state.

Calley and his wife, Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland) live in Portland with their three children.

In the Republican primary for governor, Calley will go up against Attorney General Bill Schuette, Sen. Patrick Colbeck, Dr. Jim Hines, Earl Lackie, Mark McFarlin, Joseph Derose and Evan Space.

Candidates who are running for the Democratic primary include former Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, former Detroit health chief Abdul El-Sayed, Ann Arbor businessman Shri Thanedar, Detroit businessman Bill Cobbs, Kentiel White and Justin Giroux.