Mike Duggan, the mayor who helped steer Detroit from the depths of bankruptcy to a resurgence marked by cleaner neighborhoods, balanced budgets, and even a slight population increase, is making a move few could have predicted. Announcing his candidacy for Michigan governor as an independent in 2026, Duggan is breaking ties with the Democratic Party that once helped secure his rise to political prominence.
While others are jockeying for a chance to step into the mayoral seat he has held for over a decade, Mike Duggan’s decision to pivot toward a gubernatorial bid reflects a commendable willingness to embrace a new challenge. After years of navigating Detroit’s resurgence and addressing complex urban issues, his shift to the state’s highest office underscores a leader unafraid to step beyond the boundaries of traditional politics, even as others compete for the role he is leaving behind.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Duggan made his reasoning clear: “It’s clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system. And so I want to offer people a choice.” At 66, Duggan is offering more than a bid for higher office; he’s presenting himself as an alternative to the partisan gridlock that has left many in Michigan feeling abandoned by traditional politics.
Duggan’s leadership in Detroit is hard to ignore. Under his tenure, the city emerged from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, shedding over $7 billion in debt. The city transformed into what many now see as a symbol of resilience. Duggan was elected mayor in 2013 following a remarkable write-in campaign after a ballot challenge. His election came at a time when Detroit’s financial and social fabric seemed irreparably frayed, with unemployment, poverty, and crime rates among the highest in the nation.
Detroit’s recovery since then has been nothing short of remarkable. From revitalized neighborhoods to a drop in violent crime, Duggan’s leadership has been credited with pushing the city forward. Still, his decision to break away from the Democratic Party represents a seismic shift for a figure who has long been a fixture of Michigan’s political landscape.
Explaining his choice, Duggan said, “You have a (state) legislature that’s almost evenly divided that makes the stakes of each issue become magnified. It has gotten harder and harder to address things as the partisan climate has gotten more toxic.” His statement signals a frustration shared by many Michiganders. The polarization gripping state and national politics has left communities across Michigan feeling as though their needs are secondary to the bickering between party lines.
This decision comes at a critical time for Michigan Democrats, who are still reeling from significant electoral losses despite holding a legislative majority just two years ago. Duggan’s departure from the party adds yet another layer of complexity to their path forward. It also introduces a new dynamic into what is expected to be a crowded gubernatorial race. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist III, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are among the potential Democratic contenders, while U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has not ruled out a bid after moving to Michigan in 2022.
Duggan’s decision to run as an independent isn’t entirely without precedent. Other politicians, including Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have also left their respective parties in recent years. Still, Michigan has never elected an independent governor. Historically, third-party candidates have struggled to gain traction, as evidenced by Libertarian Mary Buzuma’s 0.9% showing in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Duggan is undeterred. “If you think the two-party system is serving you well, you can vote for your Republican or Democratic candidate,” he said. “But if you think the only way we can really change the quality of life in Michigan is a different way, I’m going to give people the alternative, an independent who is going to go to Lansing and work with responsible leadership in both parties.”
For a state still grappling with stark divides between urban and rural communities, Duggan’s campaign strategy will be crucial. He plans to spend 2026 traveling to communities across Michigan—both forgotten cities and rural farmhouses—listening to the concerns of everyday people. It’s a playbook reminiscent of his approach in Detroit, where he often prioritized neighborhood-level issues and worked to make city services more accessible and equitable.
Before his political career, Duggan made his mark as chief executive of the Detroit Medical Center, a role he held for eight years. His tenure as Wayne County prosecutor and deputy county executive also underscored his commitment to public service. Now, he is positioning himself as a candidate who transcends party loyalty and focuses instead on pragmatic solutions to the state’s challenges.
Mario L. Morrow Sr., a political strategist, called Duggan’s decision “politically bold, smart and extremely aggressive.” He added, “Based on the political climate in Michigan, Duggan sees an opportunity to build bridges and do something that rarely is accomplished—run and win as an independent. Duggan is appealing to members of both parties, young and old, who are frustrated and feel disenfranchised.”
Morrow also emphasized the advantages Duggan could bring to the race. Unlike his Democratic and Republican counterparts, Duggan will avoid the bruising primary battles that often drain resources and leave candidates politically vulnerable heading into the general election. “In short, a brilliant move,” Morrow concluded.
Duggan’s announcement comes as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer nears the end of her second term. Whitmer, who remains a popular figure in Michigan politics, is term-limited under state law. Her departure creates a vacuum that Duggan clearly intends to fill, albeit from outside the traditional party framework.
While Duggan’s track record offers him credibility, his path to victory as an independent will not be without hurdles. Michigan’s political history has largely been defined by the dominance of its two major parties. To overcome this, Duggan will need to galvanize a coalition of voters dissatisfied with the status quo while convincing skeptics that an independent governor can effectively navigate the partisan dynamics in Lansing.
As the campaign unfolds, Duggan’s vision for Michigan will likely take shape around the themes of bipartisanship, pragmatic governance, and community engagement. For now, his candidacy represents both a challenge to Michigan’s political norms and a test of whether voters are ready to embrace a new way forward.
By choosing to run as an independent, Duggan is staking his political future on the belief that Michiganders are ready to chart a different course. The coming months will reveal whether that belief resonates across a state still searching for answers in an era of political uncertainty.
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