Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces run for governor as an independent

Updated at 11:50 a.m. – 12/4/24

Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan will be running for governor of Michigan in 2026.

The three-term mayor of Michigan’s biggest city said in a video announcement Wednesday that he will not be running as a Democrat, but as an independent.

“…we need a political system that isn’t so personal and toxic that it strains your relationships with your friends or even your own family members. I’m not running to be the Democrats governor or the Republicans governor. I’m running to be your governor,” Duggan said.

Duggan’s decision to run as an independent has the potential to split Democratic voter support as there are several other Democrats expected to run for the office, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. 

Later Wednesday, Benson posted to X what appeared to be a response to Duggan’s announcement.

“I’m proud to be a Democrat,” said Benson. “We’re the party of fairness, freedom, of opportunity for all. We’re the party that does the courageous thing because it’s the right thing. We are the party that recognizes we’re all in this together and we will only truly thrive and prosper when all thrive and prosper. We are the party that stands with the voters, and stands with democracy.”

Duggan’s announcement, touting population growth in Detroit and the city’s revitalization accomplishments following bankruptcy in 2013, calls for a shake up in Michigan after the divisive presidential election in November.

“The political fighting and the nonsense that once held back Detroit is too often what we’re seeing across Michigan today. The current system forces people to choose sides…not find solutions,” Duggan said. “What would happen if we upended the system and gave Michigan voters a new choice – a Governor who didn’t run as a candidate of either party? Who went to work every day with no goal except to get people to work together for all of Michigan?”

This story was updated to add comments from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.