Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) has announced that Mike Cox, a candidate in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election, has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. This pledge is a written commitment to oppose and vote against income tax increases.
Cox is the first candidate in this race to sign the pledge, which ATR views as a demonstration of his commitment to fiscal responsibility and pro-growth tax policies. ATR President Grover Norquist commented on Cox’s decision: “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.”
Cox has also expressed his desire to abolish Michigan’s state income tax entirely. After signing the pledge, he stated on X, “May this Tax Day be one of the last where Michiganders pay a state income tax.” He further elaborated, “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.”
The focus on state income tax reduction aligns with trends seen across the United States, where states with low or no-income taxes are considered more attractive due to job growth potential and economic opportunities. States like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee have experienced population increases as residents seek lower tax burdens compared to states such as California, New York, and Illinois.
The Taxpayer Protection Pledge was created by Americans for Tax Reform in 1985 as a means for candidates to demonstrate their commitment to taxpayers. The initiative was supported by President Reagan during his tenure. Today, over 1,400 elected officials and candidates at both federal and state levels have signed this pledge.
For further information about new candidates signing the pledge or updates on races like this one, ATR encourages visiting their Pledge Database.