DETROIT, May 27, 2025 — Nearly 18 months ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election, early polling from the Detroit Regional Chamber shows Mike Duggan, an Independent candidate for governor, gaining momentum.
The poll reveals Duggan’s strong foundation of support in Metro Detroit and leaves a long runway for him to gain traction statewide. The data highlights Mayor Duggan’s unique position as an Independent candidate, showing him drawing support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The poll shows no other candidate achieving similar levels of bipartisan appeal.
“The numbers keep showing us that Michigan is ready for a new kind of governor, an Independent leader who is focused on delivering results for people and not divisive party politics,” said Mike Duggan. “I’m running as an Independent because improving our education system, creating good-paying jobs to keep our young people in the state, and investing in public safety shouldn’t be partisan issues. That’s just simple common sense.”
Here are the key takeaways:
1. The poll shows Duggan is winning in the community where he’s known best.
In every Gubernatorial matchup, Mike Duggan wins the Metro Detroit region getting between 35.8% to 40.4% of the Metro vote. Below is the Metro Detroit matchup between Duggan, James and Benson:
Metro Region
Mike Duggan 35.8%
Jocelyn Benson 33.0%
John James 23.9%
2. In Metro Detroit, Mike Duggan’s favorability numbers are significantly higher than any of his potential opponents.
| Candidate | Region | Favorable | Unfavorable |
| Mike Duggan | Metro Detroit | 54.0% | 8.8% |
| Jocelyn Benson | Metro Detroit | 32.6% | 14.4% |
| John James | Metro Detroit | 32.3% | 26.7% |
3. Mike Duggan is winning support equally from Democratic and Republican voters statewide—demonstrating that his candidacy is a serious challenge to the traditional party structure.
Party Affiliation Favorable Unfavorable No Opinion Never Heard
Strong Democratic 30.3% 6.6% 27.3% 35.9%
Lean Democratic 44.0% 4.0% 20.0% 32.0%
Independent 28.2% 8.2% 14.5% 48.2%
Lean Republican 35.0% 5.0% 10.0% 50.0%
Strong Republican 24.0% 4.3% 23.1% 48.1%
This early poll, conducted more than a year ahead of the election, proves what we’ve known all along: Duggan must build his name ID beyond Southeast Michigan. Once those voters get to know him, both Democrats and Republicans are inclined to support him.
With nearly 18 months to go, Duggan has a unique opportunity to grow momentum statewide as he continues to spend more time speaking with voters beyond the Metro-Detroit area.
Since he launched his campaign, Duggan has spent his time traveling to every corner of Michigan to meet with and listen to voters of all walks of life–including college students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and farmers–to have real conversations about what is working in the state and what needs to change.
We’re confident that as more people across Michigan get to know Mike Duggan and what he stands for, they’ll join us and together, we’ll deliver the real change Michigan deserves.
The full poll results are available here.
