Mike Cox is the First Pledge Signer in Michigan Governor’s Race 

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) applauds Mike Cox for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written commitment to the voters of Michigan to oppose and vote against income tax hikes.  

Cox is the first candidate to sign the pledge in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election race, a decision that demonstrates his strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and pro-growth tax policies. 

“I strongly applaud Mike Cox for taking a principled stand and signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. He has exhibited a true dedication to fiscal responsibility and pro-growth tax policy by making this commitment. This Pledge is a powerful symbol of his unwavering support for hardworking taxpayers and their right to keep more of their hard-earned money,” said ATR President Grover Norquist. 

Mike Cox has also repeatedly called to abolish Michigan’s state income tax entirely. “May this Tax Day be one of the last where Michiganders pay a state income tax”, Cox declared on X after signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.  

In Cox’s words, “Our paychecks should go toward our families, not Lansing’s pet projects. In just six years, Michigan’s budget soared from $57 billion to over $82 billion, enough to wipe out the 4.25% income tax entirely. States without income taxes all rank high in job and wage growth—let’s bring that same prosperity here.” 

Cox is right to focus his attention on the state income tax. States with low- or no-income taxes are significantly more attractive to families, businesses, and entrepreneurs because they promote job growth, higher wages, and greater economic opportunity. In recent years, there has been a clear and growing trend of Americans leaving high-tax states in favor of those with lower tax burdens. States like California, New York, and Illinois have seen significant outmigration as residents seek relief from rising taxes. In contrast, states such as Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, where there is no state income tax, have experienced population booms driven by individuals and families in search of greater financial freedom and economic opportunity. 

Americans for Tax Reform created the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in 1985 to solidify candidates’ commitments to taxpayers. President Reagan urged all candidates to sign the Pledge. He campaigned for and praised candidates who signed the Pledge. Today, over 1,400 elected officials and candidates on the federal and state levels are Taxpayer Protection Pledge signers. 

New candidates sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge regularly. For the most up-to-date information on this race or any other, please visit the ATR Pledge Database.