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Mike Duggan (Campaign photo)
In what’s expected to be a highly competitive race, endorsements like this can’t hurt.
The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) on Thursday announced it is endorsing Independent candidate Mike Duggan for governor in 2026. With a quorum of PAC members present, the decision to endorse Duggan was unanimous, the Chamber said in a press release.
“The Chamber and businesses across the state are growing increasingly concerned about the inability of our political parties to find common ground and move Michigan forward,” said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah in a statement. “Throughout his business and government career, Mike Duggan has proven he can bring people together to work toward common goals."
Duggan, the Democratic mayor of Detroit, is finishing up his third term.
Shortly after the November 2024 election, with some Democrats and Republicans expressing dismay over the two main candidates, Duggan decided to run as an Independent, with a message that voters were tired of partisan politics.
Some saw that as Duggan capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction. Others thought he was concerned about whether he could beat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic primary. Two other Democrats in the race include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Duggan is expected to do well in Southeast Michigan, but the challenge will be in outstate areas, where his name is less familiar and where some residents don’t embrace Detroit.
At this point, Congressman John James appears to be the favorite to win the Republican primary. James is serving his second term in Congress and has long had higher political aspirations.
Some believed he had finally settled for running for Congress after two failed attempts to become a U.S. senator. He’s expected to get the backing of President Trump and the MAGA base.
