Michigan governor 2026

Compare candidates running in this Michigan federal race. Review their positions, voting records, campaign promises, and donor information.

Mike Duggan

Party: Independent

Jocelyn Benson

Party: Democrat

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Michigan governor

Election: Nov 3, 2026Updated: Apr 10, 2026
toss up★ Flip Potential— Cook Political Report (paywall; general race assessment as highly competitive)

This is one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in states won by Donald Trump in 2024 (Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin). The race is exceptionally competitive with independent candidate Mike Duggan potentially reshaping the dynamics, and Michigan's swing-state status makes this outcome nationally significant.

Mike DugganI
Jocelyn BensonD

Summary

Mike Duggan, who served as Detroit mayor from 2014-2026, announced his independent gubernatorial candidacy in December 2024 via YouTube video. His 12-year tenure as mayor was the second-longest in Detroit's history. He announced his run as an independent rather than seeking the Democratic nomination, citing frustration with partisan gridlock. His campaign emphasizes bipartisan coalition-building and practical governance rather than ideological purity. He has raised more funds than any other candidate in the race ($3.2 million in six months), drawing strong support from Michigan business leaders including Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Jocelyn Michelle Benson, born October 22, 1977, has served as Michigan's 43rd Secretary of State since January 1, 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she is a lawyer and former dean of Wayne State University Law School (2012-2016). She was the first Democrat elected to the Secretary of State office since 1995, winning her 2018 election by 8.9 points over Republican Mary Treder Lang. She was reelected in 2022 with a record-breaking 14-point margin over Republican Kristina Karamo, the largest vote share among all statewide candidates that year. She announced her gubernatorial candidacy in January 2025, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.

View Mike Duggan's Full Profile →View Jocelyn Benson's Full Profile →

Campaign Promises

Other
  • End partisan gridlock and build bipartisan coalitions
Environment
  • Reform data centers with environmental protections and local control
Education
  • Improve education through bipartisan consensus
Housing
  • Lower housing costs and make Michigan more affordable
Economy
  • Bring technology jobs to Michigan, including AI data centers
Housing
  • Make Michigan more affordable and bring government costs down
Healthcare
  • Ensure healthcare system is affordable, accessible, and fair
Education
  • Take public schools to the top 10 in the nation
Other
  • Root out corruption and hold corporations accountable

Key Issue Positions

Partisan Gridlock
Anti-partisan; advocates for bipartisan coalition-building
Duggan's core argument is that Michigan suffers from constant partisan warfare. He points to the Land Value Tax as an example where he convinced both parties to support an idea, only to watch support collapse once it was introduced because of partisan gaming.
Economic Development Strategy
Pro-business with environmental and labor balance
Duggan supports attracting AI/tech companies but wants transparency around tax incentives and environmental protections. He differs from some Republican approaches by emphasizing local community control.
Crime and Public Safety
Support for policing reforms with community oversight
When questioned about police brutality concerns, Duggan highlighted that the Justice Department concluded in 2014 that Detroit's civil rights overhaul was complete, and noted he was first police department to go to 100% body and dash cameras.
Healthcare Affordability
Strong support for expanding access and affordability
Benson predicted health care would be among the top issues during the 2026 election. She supports state action to address new federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect in 2027.
Election Integrity
Defended election security
Benson pushed for legislation to improve election security in response to threats toward election officials following the 2020 election. In October 2023, a man was sentenced to 15 months probation for threatening to kill her and Governor Whitmer.
Conflict of Interest - Data Centers
Potential conflict through husband's employer
Benson's husband Ryan Friedrichs works for Related Companies, a real estate firm pushing controversial AI data centers in Saline Township. Friedrichs terminated his lobbying license when Benson launched her gubernatorial campaign and said he would recuse himself from projects if she is elected.

Top Donors

No donor data available.

No donor data available.

Contradictions

No contradictions documented.

No contradictions documented.

What Opponents Say

Curtis Hertel Jr., Michigan Democratic Party Chair

Duggan's run is about ego and he couldn't win a Democratic primary; he has thin skin

Party leadership criticism of Duggan's independent candidacy

State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph)

Duggan is a 'shapeshifter' who tells different messages to different audiences without standing up against Republican policies

Criticism that Duggan failed to oppose Republican spending cuts or Trump policies

Democratic Governors Association

'Duggan is running a self-serving campaign that has no path to victory'

DGA dismissed Duggan's independent candidacy as ineffective

No opponent claims documented.

Endorsements

Bill Ford Jr., Ford Motor Company Executive Chairmanindividual
Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerceorganization
Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucusorganization
State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinksindividual
Michigan Laborers' District Council (LiUNA)organization
GIFFORDS PACorganization