With an increasing number of voters shunning party labels, can an independent candidate win the Michigan race for governor — or just prove to be a spoiler and hand the race to Republicans?
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is trying to prove there’s a viable path, with the longtime Democrat irking many within his former party when he announced a third party bid late last year.
The likely three-way race to succeed term-limited popular Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the perpetual swing state is still taking shape.
But while there are crowded primaries forming for both major parties, there are also clear frontrunners for each nomination. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has consistently led in polls for the Democratic nomination. On the GOP side, Rep. John James (MI-10) hasn’t officially announced yet but is widely expected to run, and surveys also show he’s the early favorite to emerge as the Republican nominee.
But there’s plenty that could change between now and the August 2026 primaries — especially with the ongoing influence Duggan has on the race. This is shaping up to
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