State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith has officially launched her Democratic gubernatorial campaign.
The longtime lawmaker from Washtenaw County's Salem Township said in a statement from Ypsilanti on Monday that Michigan needs a leader willing to make the tough choices to get the state back on track.
She'll face Lt. Gov. John Cherry in the primary. Other Democrats who may get in the race are ex-state lawmaker John Freeman, House Speaker Andy Dillon and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.
In 2001, Smith became the first black Democrat to run for governor. She was former U.S. Rep. David Bonior's running mate until Bonior lost the Democratic 2002 primary to then-Attorney General Jennifer Granholm.