Donna Brandenburg is running for Michigan governor on the U.S. Taxpayers Party ticket in the Nov. 3 general election. Her published campaign statement calls for eliminating property taxes and the state income tax, reducing government spending and strengthening election oversight.
Brandenburg is listed with lieutenant governor running mate Robert Donald Cowper II on the Michigan Department of State’s official candidate list. She previously ran for governor in 2022, according to BallotReady.
The other gubernatorial candidates on the state’s five listed tickets are Jocelyn Benson (Democratic), John James (Republican), Anthony Hudson (Libertarian) and Douglas Campbell (Green).
Candidate information
- Party: U.S. Taxpayers
- Office sought: Michigan governor
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Ballot status: Listed on the state’s official candidate list
- Running mate: Robert Donald Cowper II
- Previous candidacy: Candidate for governor of Michigan, 2022
Experience
Brandenburg’s background is primarily in business.
Her BallotReady profile lists co-ownership roles at Schmid Pipeline Construction and Brandenburg Drainage; ownership and leadership roles at Pixie Properties, Big Property Management, Hug Company, Virtual Interconnect, Sterling Logistix and Eastown Studio P; a directorship at Brandenburg Maas Life Transition Center; and a CEO role at Brandenburg Capital Management.
On the issues
Her campaign statement proposes creating a Department of Government Efficiency to reduce waste and bureaucracy. It also emphasizes limited government and election integrity.
In her VOTE411 responses, Brandenburg supports:
- Government accountability: Financial and departmental audits, transparency and oversight of government systems.
- Business policy: Ending corporate subsidies and reducing regulations affecting small businesses, farms and manufacturers.
- Education: Local control, parental involvement, individualized learning and restrictions on cellphone use during class.
- Energy and environment: Auditing state environmental and natural-resource agencies and prioritizing affordable energy and conservation.
- Immigration: Lawful immigration and an audit of immigration processes, with an emphasis on preventing exploitation and human trafficking.
These are candidate proposals, rather than policies already enacted.
Brandenburg was sent a candidate questionnaire. This profile will be updated if a response is received.
