Independent Candidate Duggan Promises Michigan Turnaround

Duggan says ending partisan divisions and focusing on common-sense solutions is key to reviving the state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mike Duggan, a former Democratic mayor of Detroit, is running for governor of Michigan as an independent candidate. Duggan is promising to bring an end to partisan politics and focus on practical solutions to the state's problems, such as improving education, creating jobs, and addressing the housing crisis. Despite being a longtime Democrat, Duggan believes he can appeal to voters from both parties by offering a centrist, problem-solving approach.

Why it matters

Duggan's independent bid is highly unusual in Michigan, which hasn't had a viable gubernatorial candidate outside the Democratic or Republican parties since 1912. His success or failure could signal a shift in the state's political landscape and the appetite for a less partisan, more pragmatic approach to governance.

The details

Duggan, who previously served as the mayor of Detroit, is touting his record of reviving the city's economy and finances as a model for what he can do statewide. He is proposing policies like predictable economic development incentives, affordable housing requirements for new construction, and a 'Marshall Plan' to improve third-grade reading levels. Duggan believes he can find bipartisan support for these types of common-sense solutions, in contrast with the partisan gridlock in Lansing.

  • Duggan was elected mayor of Detroit as a write-in candidate in 2013.
  • Duggan left the once-bankrupt city with a growing population and more than $500 million in reserve funds a dozen years later.
  • Duggan announced his independent bid for Michigan governor in 2025.

The players

Mike Duggan

A former Democratic mayor of Detroit who is running for governor of Michigan as an independent candidate, promising to end partisan divisions and focus on common-sense solutions to the state's problems.

Patrick Duggan Jr.

Mike Duggan's father, who was a Republican and a friend of former Republican Governor William Milliken, and was appointed to a federal judgeship by President Ronald Reagan.

Curtis Hertel

The chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, who has criticized Duggan for not standing up to Donald Trump and other Democratic policies.

Jim Runestad

The chair of the Michigan Republican Party, who has dismissed Duggan as a Democrat in independent clothing.

Jocelyn Benson

The leading Democratic candidate for governor, who has outraised Duggan in the final months of 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We had $5 billion manufacturing investment in the city of Detroit. We did it by having clear, predictable economic development policies. You get permitted very quickly. Everybody knows they get the same deal. You don't get checks up front, but you do get discounts as you hire, and the city will help you recruit the workers you need.”

— Mike Duggan, Gubernatorial Candidate (MLive)

“He hurts the Democrats more than the Republican because he was sitting as an office holder in the heart of Democratic land.”

— Bernie Porn, Pollster, Epic-MRA (MLive)

“I never heard him complain about a woke policy no matter how outrageous from the Democrats. He's rock solidly Democratic, and they know that, and I think the voters will be parsing that out when we get to the election. Certainly, we'll be letting them know.”

— Jim Runestad, Michigan GOP Chair (MLive)

What’s next

Duggan is working to educate voters that they can vote for him as an independent candidate while also selecting a straight-party ticket, in hopes of overcoming the math that typically favors major-party candidates.

The takeaway

Duggan's independent bid represents an unusual challenge to the two-party system in Michigan, as he seeks to appeal to voters frustrated with partisan gridlock by offering a pragmatic, problem-solving approach. His success or failure could have broader implications for the state's political landscape.