Michigan Governorship in Peril: Duggan's Independent Bid is a Recipe for Disaster
If Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan runs for governor as an independent, the outcome of the election would be all but assuredly Republican. The math is simple: at least 40% of voters will reflexively cast their ballots for any Republican candidate, regardless of who they are or what their platform is. Add to that the billionaire money and influence wielded by out-of-state Republicans like Betsy DeVos, and it's a near certainty that the GOP would take the governorship.
In contrast, a strong Democratic candidate running under the unified party banner has a legitimate shot at beating any Republican in 2026. The backlash against President Donald Trump's divisive policies has left many Michiganders with a strong aversion to Republicans. This perception could make it difficult for out-of-state big money interests to invest heavily in the campaign, potentially limiting their impact.
However, if Duggan were to run as an independent, splitting the "non-Republican" vote and allowing another Democrat-type candidate to join him on the ballot, the Republican candidate could easily win with 45% of the vote. This scenario would open up a floodgate of out-of-state billionaire Republicans pouring money into the campaign.
One has to ask: what problem is Duggan trying to solve here? The current leadership in Michigan under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel has been effective, with notable policy successes in 2023-2024. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the leading announced Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has shown herself to be a capable administrator. Duggan's independent bid is more a matter of ego-driven exercise than genuine concern for Michigan's future.
Make no mistake, once Duggan throws his hat into the ring as an independent, all that Republican cash will shift its support to the GOP candidate. The "Double-D" curse would soon be upon him: as the Democratic mayor of Detroit, he'd be seen as unwinnable by out-of-state Republicans. This is not the time for such a self-destructive bid.
The 2026 election is critical for Michigan's future. The chasm between the two parties is vast, with far-reaching implications for the state's economy, education system, and social fabric. Duggan would do well to reconsider his independent campaign and focus on supporting a strong Democratic candidate instead.
If Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan runs for governor as an independent, the outcome of the election would be all but assuredly Republican. The math is simple: at least 40% of voters will reflexively cast their ballots for any Republican candidate, regardless of who they are or what their platform is. Add to that the billionaire money and influence wielded by out-of-state Republicans like Betsy DeVos, and it's a near certainty that the GOP would take the governorship.
In contrast, a strong Democratic candidate running under the unified party banner has a legitimate shot at beating any Republican in 2026. The backlash against President Donald Trump's divisive policies has left many Michiganders with a strong aversion to Republicans. This perception could make it difficult for out-of-state big money interests to invest heavily in the campaign, potentially limiting their impact.
However, if Duggan were to run as an independent, splitting the "non-Republican" vote and allowing another Democrat-type candidate to join him on the ballot, the Republican candidate could easily win with 45% of the vote. This scenario would open up a floodgate of out-of-state billionaire Republicans pouring money into the campaign.
One has to ask: what problem is Duggan trying to solve here? The current leadership in Michigan under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel has been effective, with notable policy successes in 2023-2024. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the leading announced Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has shown herself to be a capable administrator. Duggan's independent bid is more a matter of ego-driven exercise than genuine concern for Michigan's future.
Make no mistake, once Duggan throws his hat into the ring as an independent, all that Republican cash will shift its support to the GOP candidate. The "Double-D" curse would soon be upon him: as the Democratic mayor of Detroit, he'd be seen as unwinnable by out-of-state Republicans. This is not the time for such a self-destructive bid.
The 2026 election is critical for Michigan's future. The chasm between the two parties is vast, with far-reaching implications for the state's economy, education system, and social fabric. Duggan would do well to reconsider his independent campaign and focus on supporting a strong Democratic candidate instead.
what's going on here? Detroit Mayor Duggan wants to run for governor as an indie just so he can get all the Republican cash and throw away his own party affiliation? Like, isn't that what they call a recipe for disaster? 
And don't even get me started on how it'll play out in the election - 40% of voters will just automatically vote GOP without even considering who's running. It's like throwing money at a problem and expecting it to magically fix itself 
. Meanwhile, if he runs as an indie, the Republicans will be all over him with cash and influence. No thanks... 
this guy Duggan thinks he can just waltz in as an indie and expect to win? 
it's just gonna be a recipe for disaster 
. and what's the point of even running if you can't win? 
michigan's got some real problems, not just an empty ego trying to fill a void 
come on duggan what r u thinkin 
like wut is gonna happen if u run 4 gov as an indie? the repubs are gonna crush u no matter wut ur plan is 
I think Mike Duggan's decision to run as an independent is a recipe for disaster 
. His chances of winning the governorship are pretty much gone, and it'll just allow those out-of-state Republicans to swoop in and take advantage of the situation 
. What's driving him to do this? Is it just ego or is there something else at play? 
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. I mean, who needs party politics when you've got vision and charisma on your side? 
His independent bid would definitely bring some fresh air to Lansing 
.
? I mean, those Republicans are so used to being the big dogs, it'd be a total novelty to see them get schooled by an outsider 
.
I mean, wouldn't Duggan's presence on the ballot be splitting the "non-Republican" vote and letting another candidate get snatched from the jaws of victory? 
.
?
. I hope he's got some super strong advice from his advisors or somethin' 
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. I mean, have you seen his track record? He's not exactly known for being super popular in Michigan. And now he wants to be governor? No thanks...
. Duggan needs to take a step back and think about what's really at stake here - Michigan's future is way more important than his own reputation 
Plus, if Duggan were to run as an indie, it'd be a total game-changer for the 2026 election – the people would finally get a real choice beyond the usual party politics. Bring on the "Double-D" curse!