Trucker Hudson runs on tax cuts

Anthony Hudson, a trucking industry worker from Grand Blanc, entered the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race after his company was shut down during the pandemic. He now represents the Libertarian Party on the ballot, challenging incumbent two-term governor Gretchen Whitmer. Hudson argues that his personal experience with state regulations convinced him to challenge what he describes as a tyrannical two-party system.

Hudson claims Whitmer’s actions put his business out of his hands. He stated that he wanted to push back against government control and encourage citizens to live with absolute freedom. He noted that he views current government monitoring, such as traffic cameras and car registration, as contrary to that freedom.

Before launching his campaign, Hudson surveyed more than 100,000 people across the state to identify their top concerns. The results shaped his platform. Property tax ranked first, followed by state income tax. No-fault car insurance came in third. Hudson argued that the current no-fault system forces both drivers in an accident to see their insurance rates rise, regardless of fault.

His platform includes eliminating property taxes, reducing state income taxes, and abolishing no-fault car insurance. He also proposed permanent vehicle license plates to stop the annual reregistration fee that goes to the Secretary of State. Hudson believes these changes will relieve the financial pressure on Michigan families.

Hudson points to the state’s budget growth as evidence of a spending problem. He noted the budget was $56 billion under former Governor Rick Snyder and has risen to as much as $88 billion under Whitmer. He described this increase as a spending addiction rather than a revenue issue.

To fund the state without property tax revenue, Hudson proposes eliminating several agencies. He listed the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, SOAR, EGLE, NEC, and MDOT as candidates for cuts. He said he would reallocate the $21 billion in property tax revenue currently collected by counties and the state to necessary governmental needs instead of wants.

The candidate also addressed the recent backlash against data center development in Michigan communities. He plans to institute a two-year moratorium on new projects to allow the legislature to create proper regulations. Hudson intends to repeal Public Act 233, which passed in 2023 and offered workarounds for renewable energy projects facing local opposition.

Under Hudson’s plan, local ballots would decide whether specific data centers can proceed. He cited a quote from Whitmer, reportedly captured on a hot mic, where she said, “Hey, they voted no on this, but we’re going to do it anyway.” He argued that this approach ignores the voice of the people and violates the principles of a representative government.

Hudson previously ran for Congress as a Republican. He addressed the Libertarian Party’s recent statement disavowing his candidacy. He said the party’s board did not support his nomination at the June convention, but the delegates voted for him anyway. He rejected the idea that a candidate must be 100% aligned with a party’s ideology to represent it.

He stated that if elected governor, he is prepared to shut down the government if legislators fail to fulfill their oath of office. Hudson believes the state government has grown too large and that elected officials are living a higher quality of life than the citizens who pay their salaries.