Update: AG Bill Schuette kicks off run, promises to be 'jobs governor'

MIDLAND, MI - Attorney General Bill Schuette will kick off his run for governor in his hometown of Midland this evening on a stage surrounded by American flags and "Schuette for Governor" signs.

Schuette, nearing the end of his second term as Attorney General, is throwing his hat in the ring to replace the term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder.

Schuette served as a state representative, state senator and U.S. Representative before taking office as Attorney General. In that position, he's fought high-profile battles against human trafficking, the pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Schuette resides in Midland with his wife, Cynthia Schuette. The couple have two grown children, Bill and Heidi.

He teased a "major announcement" at this year's BBQ, an annual event he holds in Midland. Visitors were greeted by "Schuette for Governor" signs.

He is expected to take the stage in about an hour.

Other Republicans already in the gubernatorial race are Dr. Jim Hines and Sen. Patrick Colbeck, R-Canton. Two more have formed gubernatorial committees but filed for a waiver pledging not to receive or expend more than $1,000.

On the Democratic side, former Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, former Detroit health official Abdul El-Sayed, Detroit Businessman Bill Cobbs and Ann Arbor Businessman Shri Thanedar, Kentiel White and Justin Giroux are vying for the nomination.

Stay tuned to MLive for details on Schuette's announcement.