Detroit Regional Chamber poll shows tight three-way race for Michigan governor

Independent candidate Mike Duggan narrowly leads Democrats and Republicans in hypothetical matchup

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A new poll commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber shows the Michigan gubernatorial race in a statistical dead heat, with independent candidate Mike Duggan leading Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Republicans John James by a slim margin. The poll of 600 registered voters found Duggan at 30.1%, James at 28.9%, and Benson at 28%, indicating a tough road ahead for the major party candidates as they must now contend with a viable independent challenger.

Why it matters

The tight three-way race highlights the potential for an independent candidate to mount a serious challenge in the Michigan governor's race, potentially disrupting the traditional two-party dynamic. This could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy priorities going forward.

The details

The poll, conducted by the Glengariff Group between January 27 and February 2, asked voters which candidate they would likely support in a hypothetical general election matchup. While Duggan held a slight lead, the results suggest a highly competitive race with no clear frontrunner. The Detroit Regional Chamber, which previously endorsed Duggan's independent bid, touted the findings as showing the former Detroit mayor's "commanding lead" over the major party candidates.

  • The poll was conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Mike Duggan

An independent candidate and former mayor of Detroit who is running for governor of Michigan.

Jocelyn Benson

The current Secretary of State of Michigan and a Democratic candidate for governor.

John James

A Republican congressman from Shelby Township who is running for governor of Michigan.

Curtis Hertel

The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, who has been critical of Duggan's campaign.

Hannah Osantowske

A spokesperson for the John James campaign, who dismissed the Detroit Regional Chamber poll as an "internal Duggan poll."

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What they’re saying

“We see it in our town halls every day: the more the Democratic party throws mud at Mike Duggan, the more support we gain. People are turning away from the traditional party candidates and toward a candidate who has a history of bringing people together and actually solving problems.”

— Ed Duggan, Campaign director for Mike Duggan (Michigan Advance)

“Despite being the only candidate benefitting from millions of dollars in spending, Mike Duggan has had a few rough weeks of headlines and never shown a real path to victory. So now, it's no surprise to see his wealthy allies desperately trying to boost his flailing campaign. The reality is the eventual Democratic nominee will be the only candidate who always puts Michigan first, while Duggan and the entire Republican field cater to Donald Trump's disastrous health care cuts and economic chaos.”

— Curtis Hertel, Chair, Michigan Democratic Party (Michigan Advance)

“Two lifelong Democrats who've spent decades using government to benefit themselves. That's not leadership, that's corruption. John James is the battle tested conservative leader Michigan needs to restore freedom, opportunity, and integrity.”

— Hannah Osantowske, Spokesperson, John James campaign (Michigan Advance)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tight three-way race for Michigan governor highlights the potential for an independent candidate to disrupt the traditional two-party dynamic, with significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy priorities going forward.