Detroit Free Press reported that Cox led the likely Democratic challenger at the time, Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, by 41-34%. Cherry later decided not to run. On May 27, 2009, Cox formally announced his candidacy for governor on Facebook and Twitter. Local and national polling indicated in March 2010 that Cox was one of the front-runners for the Republican nomination, potentially defeating his potential Democratic opponents in the 2010 gubernatorial election by comfortable margins in hypothetical match-ups. Cox finished third in the Republican gubernatorial primary, behind businessman Rick Snyder and Congressman Pete Hoekstra. Electoral history As Attorney General 2010 gubernatorial election References External links Mike Cox biography Michigan Attorney General (official site) Mike Cox 2010 for Governor (official campaign site) 1961 births Living people Michigan Attorneys General Michigan Republicans Politicians from Detroit People from Livonia, Michigan United States Marines University of Michigan Law School alumni Detroit Catholic Central High School alumni