DETROIT, December 4, 2024 – Mike Duggan, the three-term mayor of Detroit, released a video today announcing that he is running to be the next Governor of Michigan. Being Michigan’s governor during a time of such polarization in today’s political landscape will require putting partisanship aside and working hand-in-hand with people from all backgrounds. The best way to do that is not by representing one party, but all the people of Michigan, as an Independent. 

“I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor. I’m running to be your governor,” Duggan said. “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’s tenure as Mayor of Detroit is defined by collaboration and partnerships between community leaders, unions and the private sector. That spirit of collaboration and leadership enabled Detroit to set bold goals and achieve them. During Duggan’s tenure, thousands of abandoned houses and buildings were rehabbed or demolished. Major employers moved into the city creating jobs and opportunities. Hundreds of small businesses opened, breathing new life into commercial corridors, and $1 billion of affordable housing was built to ensure everyone had access to all the city has to offer, including its thriving downtown. 

At a time when many called on mayors to defund the police, Duggan invested in policing, giving officers a well-deserved $10,000 raise and putting 300 more officers on the street. He also funded community organizations to ensure they finally had the resources needed to help those who were at risk of engaging in violence or becoming victims of it. Detroiters know the results—the city has reduced shootings and carjackings by more than 40% and, last year, Detroit saw its fewest homicides since 1966.  

Today, after more than 60 years of decline, Detroit is growing again. 

“What we’ve done in Detroit is something we can do across Michigan. I am convinced it’s the partisanship that’s stopping us from making real change in our education system and enacting the transformation we need to inspire our young people to see a future for themselves that doesn’t require leaving Michigan. I believe Michigan’s largest export is no longer our automobiles – it’s our young people,” said Duggan. “It will take drastic change to build an economy with real opportunities to retain talent.” 

Duggan is kicking off this campaign—just as he did 12 years ago when he launched his run for Mayor of Detroit—by listening to Michiganders. The sessions begin this month to ensure Duggan has the time to travel the state and listen to Michiganders who want to share their hopes, their fears and their vision for Michigan’s future. 

“My first priority in 2025 will be my duties as Mayor, but I wanted to start statewide conversations now and then spend full-time in 2026 visiting neighbors in every corner of this state,” Duggan said. “I welcome anyone across the state who is tired of the politics of conflict to invite me into your community to have serious, important conversations about our state’s future.”