Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, announced he would run for governor of Michigan as an independent, aiming to move away from political divisions and focus on finding solutions. Duggan cited his support for civil rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ rights, but broke with his party by giving raises to police officers when calls to defund the police were mounting. He is the first major candidate to launch a campaign for the closely watched 2026 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Whitmer, who cannot run for re-election, is considered a potential presidential contender in 2028. The Democratic primary is expected to be competitive, with contenders like Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. On the Republican side, Tudor Dixon, the GOP nominee in 2022, is considering another run. Members of the state’s congressional delegation, like GOP Reps. John James and Lisa McClain, have also been mentioned as potential candidates. The upcoming election in Michigan is anticipated to be closely divided, as the state has seen close results in recent national elections.
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Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, Announces Independent Campaign for Governor of Michigan
