Detroit Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan announced that he is running as an independent in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race.
“I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor. I’m running to be your governor,” Duggan said, as per the Detroit Free Press. “The political fighting and the nonsense that once held back Detroit is too often what we’re seeing across Michigan today. The current system forces people to choose sides — not find solutions. It’s time to change that. I intend to bring together Democrats, Republicans and Independents — and our young people, far too many of whom have given up on our political system — together to move Michigan forward.”
Duggan released a nearly five-minute video highlighting his tenure as mayor.
In November, Duggan announced that he would not seek re-election as Detroit’s mayor.
“After 12 years of service, Mayor Duggan expressed his gratitude for Detroiters who have played an instrumental role in the city’s resurgence and outlined a forward-looking plan for his final year in office—building on its current momentum, continuing to expand opportunities in every Detroit neighborhood, and emphasizing the importance of retaining and attracting young talent to strengthen Detroit’s future,” a statement from his office read.
“Detroit’s story of resurgence is one of Detroiters who never gave up on their city,” Duggan said at the time. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as mayor over the past 12 years and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together—from emerging out of bankruptcy to becoming a vibrant, healthy city that is a model of resilience and transformation. This last year is about continuing the work we started and ensuring Detroit’s success remains rooted in opportunity for everyone.”
