More Than 150 Michigan Pastors and Clergy Leaders Endorse Mike Duggan, Independent Candidate for Governor

DETROIT, April 28, 2025 — In a powerful show of unity and support, more than 150 pastors and clergy leaders from congregations across Michigan today announced their endorsement of Mike Duggan, an Independent for Michigan’s next governor. The endorsement, from leaders in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint and more, reflects a growing movement in the faith community who believe Duggan is uniquely positioned to break partisan gridlock and fight for working families.

“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.”

For more than a decade, Duggan has partnered with the faith-based community on initiatives that improved the quality of life for people who for years felt forgotten. Programs like Project Clean Slate helped people with non-violent criminal records expunge their records and finally gain access to good paying jobs, housing and opportunities. The Adopt A Park program led to ensuring the regular maintenance of more than 200 Detroit parks, offering safe and accessible places for youth and families. Duggan worked with churches and nonprofits through Detroit’s Community Partnership program to help them purchase homes at a reduced rate to rehab them and deepen their service to the community. 

This statewide coalition of spiritual leaders cited Duggan’s track record of delivering results, his decades of commitment to revitalizing communities and his inclusive, common-sense approach to governing as key reasons for their support.

On Michigan’s west side, the support signals growing momentum for Duggan’s candidacy in regions outside of the Detroit area as word of the city’s revitalization makes its way to every corner of the state.

“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.”

In Mid-Michigan, Duggan’s vision for changing the system and ensuring a future where everyone can succeed resonated with leaders working to rebuild trust in government and uplift struggling communities.

“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.”  

This endorsement marks another milestone in Duggan’s campaign, which continues to gain traction among voters and leaders who are tired of politics as usual and ready for a governor focused on solving problems, not scoring points.

“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 in Detroit. “For years, political infighting got in the way of accomplishing goals, leaving families and neighborhoods without crucial support. Mike Duggan has helped to change that mentality and because of his vision and commitment to partnership, communities have received vital investments and support to help them grow.”

Under Mayor Mike Duggan’s leadership, Detroit has made historic progress—driving crime to record lows, including the lowest homicide rate since the 1960s, and reducing unemployment by attracting major employers and supporting small businesses. More than $1 billion has been invested in affordable housing to build generational wealth in neighborhoods. Now, for the first time since 1957, Detroit’s population is growing again—proof of the city’s resurgence and solidifying Detroit as a national model for urban revitalization.

“We all have the privilege to endorse the candidate we believe in, and I am honored to lend my support to someone who has proven himself time and time again,” said Bishop Andrew Merritt of Straight Gate International Church in Detroit. “I have walked alongside Mike Duggan over the years and witnessed firsthand his compassion for people and his unwavering commitment to helping those facing critical challenges. His visionary leadership transformed lives in the City of Detroit, and I am confident he will do the same for our great state.”

This endorsement comes on the heels of strong statewide union support, representing more than 11,000 hospitality workers, police and firefighters from all over Michigan.

“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.