A Proven Leader for Michigan
Ralph Rebandt is pleased to announce that he will join the field of Republican candidates for the Governor of Michigan. Born in Wyandotte, and farm raised in Woodhaven, Ralph represents the voice of working-class Michigan families.
With a unique background that bridges labor unions and business leadership, Ralph brings real-world experience to the challenges facing Michigan workers and families. He's not a career politician—he's a problem solver committed to building Michigan's next Golden Age.
Ralph's vision is clear: make Michigan the #1 state in the nation economically, while protecting families, defending parental rights, and ensuring every child has access to quality education without government overreach.
"I'm not a ladder climber, I'm a problem solver and more interested in the next generation than the next political rung."
Background & Experience
Working-Class Roots
Ralph's employment history reflects his deep connection to Michigan's working families. He has been a proud member of the International Association of Machinists, the Laborers International Union of North America, and the United Steelworkers Union. This experience gives him unique insight into the challenges facing Michigan workers and the policies needed to create good-paying jobs.
Education & Credentials
Ralph holds a Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.) from Summit University in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and both a Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div), magna cum laude, from Westminster Theological Seminary — one of the most rigorous Reformed theological institutions in the country. His deep study of history, theology, and constitutional government gives him a unique perspective on leadership, ethics, and public service that few candidates bring to the table.
35+ Years in the Pulpit
Ralph was ordained in 1987 by the Presbytery of the Midwest as a church planter for Detroit. He went on to serve as the organizing and senior pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) in Farmington Hills, Michigan for more than thirty-five years, helping plant daughter congregations in Royal Oak, Michigan, and London, Ontario. He has chaired the Orthodox Presbyterian Church's Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension at the denominational level, and he is a member of the Council for National Policy Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. — placing him among a small circle of conservative leaders shaping national policy and movement strategy. After a lifetime in ministry, Ralph founded Michigan Lighthouse Ministries to mobilize pastors and people of faith for civic engagement.
Chaplain & Community Service
Ralph serves as the Chaplain for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Southeastern Michigan Chiefs of Police, the Farmington Hills Police Department, and the Beverly Hills Police Department. He has also served as a Crisis Chaplain for the American Red Cross, a credentialed Hospital Chaplain, and a board member of Farmington Hills S.A.F.E. (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) and the Farmington Hills Crime Prevention Advisory Committee. His decades of service to law enforcement leadership demonstrates his deep commitment to those who protect our communities.
Trump 2024 Victory Leadership
Ralph played a strategic role in President Trump's 2024 victory in Michigan. He helped organize and mobilize grassroots support, demonstrating his ability to build coalitions and deliver results. His leadership was instrumental in turning out voters and securing Michigan's electoral votes for President Trump.
Ralph's Vision: Michigan's Golden Age
Ralph's economic plan is comprehensive and ambitious: make Michigan the #1 state in the nation economically. This means creating an environment where businesses thrive, workers earn good wages, and families can afford to buy homes and raise children.
Beyond economics, Ralph is committed to protecting parental rights, defending families from government overreach, and ensuring that Michigan children receive a world-class education.
"We're not just running a campaign—we're building Michigan's next Golden Age. An era where families thrive, businesses prosper, and every child has the opportunity to succeed. This isn't about the next political rung; it's about the next generation."
— Ralph Rebandt
Personal Life
Ralph has been married to his wife Carol since 1976. Together, they have built a beautiful family with 4 children and 20 grandchildren. Family is at the heart of everything Ralph does, and his commitment to protecting Michigan families stems from his own experience as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Born in Wyandotte, and farm raised in Woodhaven, Ralph is a proud Michigander who understands the values and aspirations of working families across the state. His deep roots in the community and decades of service drive his passion for making Michigan a place where every family can thrive.
When he's not campaigning, Ralph enjoys spending time with his growing family, serving his community as a chaplain, and working to build coalitions that deliver real results for Michigan residents.