(CBS-DETROIT) Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Wednesday that he is launching an independent bid in Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
Duggan, a Democrat, is currently serving his third four-year term as mayor of Detroit and is the second longest-serving mayor, behind Coleman Young. His current term ends in January 2026.
“I am not running to become the governor of the Democrats or the Republicans. I would like to become your governor,” Duggan said in a statement. “The political fights and nonsense that once held Detroit back is what we see today across Michigan. The current system forces people to take sides – and not find solutions. It’s time to change that. I plan to bring together Democrats, Republicans and independents – and our young people, far too many of whom have given up on our political system – working together to move Michigan forward.”
In November, Duggan announced that he would not seek a fourth term. Duggan first took office in January 2014 the city emerged from its historic bankruptcy in December of that year.
Duggan plans to host listening sessions across the state starting in December.
“My first priority in 2025 will be my duties as mayor, but I wanted to start occasional statewide conversations and visit neighbors in every corner of this state full-time in 2026,” Duggan said. “I welcome everyone in the state who is tired of the politics of conflict to invite me into your community for serious, important conversations about the future of our state.”
Duggan served as CEO of the Detroit Medical Center from 2004 to 2013 before running for office in a successful write-in campaign, defeating former Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Duggan also spent three years as Wayne County prosecutor and another fourteen years as Wayne County deputy county executive.
