Photo: Mandi Wright ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, August 19, 2025 — At an event held Tuesday at Michigan Central Station in Detroit, a broad coalition of more than 200 current and former elected officials from across Michigan were formally announced Tuesday as endorsers of Mike Duggan’s independent bid for governor, marking the largest wave of support in the 2026 race.
The backers includes over 50 mayors, township supervisors, and village presidents, more than 100 city council members and trustees, and more than two dozen school board leaders. Duggan’s endorsers spanned the political spectrum — Republicans, Democrats and independents — all said to be united by a shared frustration with Lansing’s partisan gridlock and a belief in Duggan’s results-driven leadership.
VIDEO:
Aug. 19, 2025 ~ Michigan Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan addresses supporters and the media at Michigan Central Station to tout the endorsements of his candidacy by more than 200 present and former elected Michigan officials.
(CONTINUED) “Michiganders want a governor whose first priority isn’t protecting their party’s majority,” Duggan said. “I’m running as an independent because the only way we can fix our broken education system and create the kind of Michigan where all communities can thrive is by ending the toxic partisanship that’s plaguing Lansing.”
The endorsements come on the heels of Duggan’s record-breaking fundraising haul of $3.2 million in six months, with 93% of contributions coming from Michigan donors. His campaign has also earned support from eight unions, more than 150 faith leaders, and the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Democratic opponents of the three-term mayor warn that his independent bid could split the vote and hand the governorship to Republicans. Others question whether his campaign — backed by donors from across the political spectrum — can maintain broad appeal, all while forgoing the aid of a traditional party infrastructure.
Voters will have their say in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
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