William Null, Acquitted in Whitmer Kidnap Plot, Launches Bid for Michigan Governor

William Null, a Delton resident previously acquitted in the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has officially entered the race for Michigan governor.

 

On November 18, Null filed the necessary paperwork to establish his campaign committee, signaling his intent to seek the Republican nomination in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election.

 

His campaign treasurer is listed as Eric Molitor, who was also acquitted alongside Null and his twin brother, Michael, in connection with the 2020 kidnapping allegations.

 

In 2023, an Antrim County jury found the trio not guilty of providing material support to a terrorist act, charges that could have led to up to 20 years in prison.

 

They were accused of participating in militia training and surveillance of Whitmer's vacation home as part of a broader plan to incite civil unrest.

 

Null has expressed his belief that he was entrapped by an overzealous government investigation, stating, "I had no idea where we were going, what we were doing. I ended up getting thrown in a car with an FBI informant and he drove us around."

 

Following his acquittal, Null disbanded the Michigan Liberty Militia, which he had founded in 2015.

 

He cited the events of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, as catalysts for his political activism.

 

Null, a father of two and construction business operator, acknowledges the challenges ahead, admitting, "The chances of winning are slim to none, but I’d like to see my name on the ticket anyway."

 

His campaign has already sparked controversy.

 

Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, condemned Null's candidacy, stating, "William Null is a far-right extremist and former militia member whose dangerous, violent extremism has no place in our state."

 

Hertel urged Republican leaders to denounce Null's campaign.

 

Null joins a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed the term-limited Governor Whitmer.

 

Other declared candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for the Democrats, and former Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Representative John James for the Republicans.

 

As the 2026 election approaches, Null's entry into the race adds a contentious element to an already dynamic political landscape in Michigan.