In a significant political development, more than 150 pastors and clergy leaders from across Michigan gathered in Detroit Monday morning to publicly endorsed Mike Duggan in his bid for governor. Duggan, who is running as an Independent, received the backing of spiritual leaders from cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint—a strong sign of his growing appeal beyond traditional party lines.
But beyond the headline—why does this matter for Black Michigan residents?
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, long a political figure synonymous with the city’s turnaround narrative, is now courting voters statewide. His endorsement by a powerful bloc of clergy—many of whom have deep roots in Detroit’s neighborhoods and civil rights traditions—signals not just a campaign milestone but a moment of reckoning for the state’s Black electorate.
“No one should ever take our vote for granted. We have learned that you must earn this most treasured asset,” said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel in Detroit. “Mike Duggan has earned by his leadership to revitalize our city from downtown to the neighborhoods, establishing the Shot Stoppers Violent Intervention Program to reduce crime, working together with me to provide internet connections and laptops for 51,000 K-12 Detroit Public School students and building an administration reflecting the diversity and collectivity of our community. It’s not about what he will do. It’s rather what he’s already done. As he did it for Detroit, he will do it for Michigan.”
But how much of Detroit’s progress can truly be credited to Duggan—and how much of that progress has trickled down to Black neighborhoods still grappling with disinvestment, gentrification, and displacement? It’s not a question to overly criticized the three-term mayor, but one that truly dives into the effectiveness of his leadership and how it might translate at the next level.
For years, Duggan has worked closely with faith institutions to push initiatives like ShotStoppers, the Adopt a Park program, and Project Clean Slate. These programs, which offer criminal record expungement and neighborhood investment, have real implications for Black families in cities long overlooked by Lansing.
“This endorsement is about more than politics—this is about bringing real change to all of Michigan, just like Mike Duggan has done in Detroit,” said Rev. Daryl Gaddy of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. “Mike Duggan’s work in Detroit—like reducing crime, recruiting jobs and investing in affordable housing—can serve as a roadmap…”
But the question remains: whose roadmap is this? Will Duggan’s Detroit legacy resonate with residents in cities like Flint, Benton Harbor, Pontiac, and Saginaw—places where Black communities continue to face water crises, education gaps, and economic neglect?
Clergy members highlighted his proven leadership, collaborative style, and practical solutions as reasons for their endorsement—qualities they believe can help transcend Michigan’s partisan divide.
“This endorsement is about more than politics. This is about bringing real change to all of Michigan, just like Mike Duggan has done in Detroit,” said Senior Pastor Daryl Gaddy of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. “Mike Duggan’s work in Detroit—like reducing crime, recruiting jobs and investing in affordable housing—can serve as a roadmap for what he’ll do for Michiganders and the people on the west side are starting to take notice.”
Support from Mid-Michigan leaders further reinforced the idea that Duggan’s campaign is resonating statewide.
“Too many politicians spend too much time fighting for their party when they should be working for the people. Mike Duggan’s different,” said Associate Pastor Brent Richard of International Gospel Center in Flint. “I’m convinced we need an Independent like Mike Duggan who’s not going to engage in petty fights but will build bridges that improve the quality of life for people across Michigan.”
The faith leaders who gathered in Duggan’s corner say that his record speaks to a broader ability to unify across political lines—a message that may appeal to Black voters weary of partisan gridlock and empty promises.
“Mike Duggan gets things done. He’s proven he can bring people together, and that’s exactly what we need right now,” said Bishop Edgar L. Vann II, Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer Church. “Because of his vision and commitment to partnership, communities have received vital investments and support to help them grow.”
But as Duggan leans into this momentum—bolstered not only by faith leaders but by major labor unions—Black voters must ask: what does real inclusion look like in a Duggan-led Michigan? Will the administration prioritize equity beyond the headlines?
Duggan’s gubernatorial pitch is built on the success narrative of Detroit’s revival—lower crime rates, improved city services, and over $1 billion invested in affordable housing. But questions about equitable access, long-term affordability, and community ownership continue to swirl.
“Faith leaders have always understood something politicians often forget—when someone needs help, you show up. You don’t ask what party they belong to, or who they voted for—you act. That’s the spirit I’m carrying into this Independent campaign,” said Duggan. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of so many faith-based leaders across Michigan. This community really understands what I’m trying to do by getting people to work together to do what’s right. That’s how we change lives—and that’s how we’ll change Michigan.”
For Black voters in Michigan—especially those in communities that have long struggled to get a fair share of state resources—Duggan’s campaign may be offering a new approach. The question is: will it be enough?
Duggan’s campaign has gained momentum with endorsements from both faith leaders and major labor unions representing over 11,000 workers across the state. Many see his candidacy as a refreshing alternative in a polarized political climate.
During his time as mayor, Duggan led Detroit through a historic turnaround—bringing unemployment down, cutting crime to record lows, and attracting billions in investment, including more than $1 billion for affordable housing. These achievements have positioned Detroit as a national model for urban revitalization, and supporters believe Duggan can bring the same success to the state level.
As Duggan continues to build a broad coalition, his Independent candidacy is shaping up to be a potentially transformative force in Michigan politics.
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