After 12 years of transformative leadership in Detroit, Mayor Duggan seeks to reshape Michigan politics with a gubernatorial campaign as an independent.
A Legacy of Transformation in Detroit
DETROIT — Mayor Mike Duggan announced he will not seek re-election as Detroit’s mayor, marking the end of a transformative 12-year tenure. Duggan, credited with leading Detroit out of bankruptcy and revitalizing its neighborhoods, revealed plans to run for Michigan governor in 2026 as an independent, citing frustration with partisan gridlock. He made his announcement on YouTube.
“Detroit’s story of resurgence is one of Detroiters who never gave up on their city,” Duggan told city employees during his announcement. “This last year is about continuing the work we started and ensuring Detroit’s success remains rooted in opportunity for everyone.”
Duggan’s Impact on Detroit
When Duggan took office in 2014, Detroit faced unprecedented challenges: bankruptcy, crime, abandoned homes, and economic decline. Over the next decade, his administration delivered remarkable progress:
- Blight Reduction: Cleared tens of thousands of vacant homes, reducing the number from 47,000 to just 3,000.
- Neighborhood Development: Initiatives like the PILOT program spurred $1 billion in affordable housing investments, creating vibrant communities and increasing homeowner wealth by $4 billion.
- Crime Reduction: Violent crime dropped significantly, with homicides reaching their lowest levels since 1966.
- Population Growth: Detroit’s population grew for the first time since the 1950s.
Duggan also improved city services, transforming Detroit’s EMS response time from the nation’s worst to the best, and creating a roadmap for affordable housing that inspired cities nationwide.
Vision for Michigan
Duggan’s decision to run for governor as an independent marks a significant departure from his Democratic roots. His move comes amidst a growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system. “It’s clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system,” Duggan said. “I want to offer people a choice.”
Duggan outlined priorities for Michigan:
- Economic Revitalization: Creating opportunities to keep young people in Michigan, which currently leads the nation in youth outmigration.
- Education Reform: Increasing resources for schools while respecting parental involvement in education.
- Bipartisan Leadership: Building bridges across party lines to find solutions rather than deepening divisions.
Changing the Gubernatorial Landscape
Duggan’s campaign adds a new dynamic to the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race. He joins a field of potential candidates that includes prominent Democrats like Jocelyn Benson and Garlin Gilchrist, and Republicans such as Aric Nesbitt and John James. His independent candidacy could appeal to moderates disillusioned with traditional party politics.
“This is a gutsy move,” said Detroit political analyst Adolph Mongo. “It hurts the Democratic Party, but it will also attract moderate Republicans and independents looking for a third option.”
A Campaign Rooted in Community
Duggan plans to kick off his campaign with a statewide listening tour, visiting living rooms, restaurants, and community centers across Michigan. “I’m looking forward to sitting in living rooms from Detroit to Alpena to Ishpeming,” Duggan said. “This campaign will start by finding out what you think.”
With a track record of results and a vision for bipartisan leadership, Duggan aims to transform Michigan politics, just as he transformed Detroit.
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