[12][13] Despite having a more centrist voting record in the House of Representatives,[14] Schauer ran as more of a populist who put education, unions and taxes as his top priorities.

[16][17][18][19] This came in the midst of discussions by the Tea Party network regarding whether incumbent lieutenant governor Brian Calley should be replaced as Snyder's running mate.

[16][20] Snyder started running campaign ads in September 2013, immediately following the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference[21] and formally declared that he is seeking re-election in January 2014.

[22][23][24] At the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference (September 20–22, 2013), speculation reported by the media also included Todd Courser as a potential challenger to Calley.

[25] At the Michigan Republican Party state convention, which took take place on August 23, 2014, incumbent lieutenant governor Brian Calley won renomination.