Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan launched an independent bid for governor of Michigan on Wednesday, becoming the first candidate to officially enter the race. Duggan, who was previously a member of the Democratic Party, has served as Detroit’s mayor since 2014.
“The current system forces people to choose sides, not find solutions. I want to see if I can change that, by starting a campaign for governor, by having a conversation about whether it’s time for a whole new approach,” Duggan stated in a YouTube video. “A governor who’s an Independent.”
Duggan’s announcement comes several weeks after he stated he would not seek another term as Detroit mayor, a position he has held for three terms. Duggan was first elected as Mayor of Detroit after waging and winning a write-in campaign during the mayoral primary.
In his speech, Dugan highlighted his achievements in revitalizing Detroit, including fostering bipartisan cooperation and reducing unemployment levels. He framed his campaign as a rejection of divisive partisanship, saying, “I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor. I’m running to be your governor.” Dugan also pledged to engage voters across Michigan and build a movement focused on solutions rather than party politics.
According to the Michigan Bureau of Elections, independent candidates like Duggan must collect between 12,000 and 60,000 signatures from registered Michigan voters, as the state outlines both a minimum and maximum limit. Additionally, at least 100 of those signatures must come from at least seven of the state’s 13 congressional districts. Duggan will name his own lieutenant governor choice as the general election draws closer.
Several Republicans and Democrats have previously expressed interest in the race, but none have formally declared their candidacy, making Duggan the first to officially enter the gubernatorial election that can be identified by Independent Political Report. Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and unable to run in 2026.
He can’t be any worse than what is already out there.
I’m not aware of anything good coming out of Detroit since the automotive industry collapsed in the wake of oil crises and race riots. But he can hardly be any worse than Halfwit Witchmer. Hey, here’s an idea: why don’t we try and trade him in for Dugin, as part of Trump’s “ukraine” peace deal?! 😀