MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WZMQ) — With the 2026 midterm elections still more than a year away, Michigan’s political landscape is already heating up—and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is making headlines with his unexpected campaign for governor.
Duggan, a lifelong Democrat and former Wayne County prosecutor, announced his candidacy in December, filing not as a Democrat but as an independent. At this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, he sat down for an exclusive interview to share why he’s breaking from the party system.
“I just am fed up with the politics of constant bickering and gridlock, and I think a lot of people are,” Duggan said.
During his tenure as mayor, Duggan has overseen a resurgence in Detroit’s population and economy. After 65 years of decline, the city experienced growth in both starting in 2022—progress he attributes to long-term investment and strategic planning.
“That’s going to be one of our challenges—how do we create vibrancy in all parts of the state that have the kind of opportunities and experiences young people want?” he said.
Duggan said he feels he can apply his experience in Detroit to the rest of the state, emphasizing the need to build a more resilient economy in the Upper Peninsula. While local leaders explore expanding the mining industry, Duggan said he plans to listen and learn before endorsing specific solutions—but he’s certain something has to change.
“We have to create an everyday economy in the Upper Peninsula,” he said. “OK, we could expand Pure Michigan, we can boost the tourism, but we need an economy that works 12 months a year.”
On energy policy, Duggan supports keeping natural gas generators running in the U.P. to support the state’s growing energy needs, especially as Michigan aims to compete in business with an expanding artificial intelligence sector.
“We can’t take a state that’s already low on energy, and say we’re going to start taking things out,” he said. “We have to do the opposite.”
Duggan is one of at least 10 candidates vying to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. While his decision to run as an independent surprised many, he believes it’s a reflection of what voters truly want—leadership over partisanship.
You can watch the full interview here: youtu.be/L-SiYWdrwv8
