2026 Michigan gubernatorial election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election will be on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Michigan. Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is ineligible to seek re-election to a third term. Primary elections will take place on August 4, 2026.
 | |||||||
November 3, 2026
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
This is one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Democratic secretary of state Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. representative John James are the frontrunners for their respective nominations. Former Detroit mayor Mike Duggan initially ran as an independent but withdrew from the race in May 2026.[1]
Background
Michigan is a purple state in the heart of the Great Lakes and Rust Belt which consistently elected Democrats for president since 1992 until Republican nominee Donald Trump narrowly flipped the state in 2016. In 2020, Democratic nominee Joe Biden won Michigan by 2.78%. In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won Michigan by 1.42%, which was attributed to President Biden's unpopularity and rightward shifts in working-class and Arab American voters.[2][3]
Since the 2018 Michigan elections, Democrats occupied all statewide offices in Michigan. Since 2022, Democrats held the narrow majority in the State Senate while Republicans held a narrow majority in the Michigan House of Representatives since 2024. According to the Morning Consult, which measures the popularity of governors across the country, Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer has a net +21 approval rating in Michigan.[4]
In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer and her running mate Garlin Gilchrist won by 9.56%. In 2022, Whitmer and Gilchrist won by 10.53%.[5][6]
The deadline for candidates to submit petitions to run for governor in the partisan primaries was Tuesday, April 21, 2026.[7]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jocelyn Benson, Michigan secretary of state (2019–present)[8]
- Chris Swanson, Genesee County sheriff (2020–present)[9]
Disqualified
Not on ballot
- Kevin Hogan, biochemist and Green nominee for governor in 2022[12][13]
- Marni Sawicki, former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida (2013–2017)[14][13]
Withdrawn
Declined
- Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. secretary of transportation (2021–2025)[16]
- Dan Kildee, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 8th congressional district (2013–2025)[17]
- Mallory McMorrow, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)[18] (ran for U.S. Senate)[19]
- Gary Peters, U.S. senator (2015–present)[20]
Endorsements
Jocelyn Benson
- Executive branch officials
- Pete Buttigieg, former secretary of transportation (2021–2025)[21]
- Jennifer Granholm, former secretary of energy (2021–2025) and former governor of Michigan (2003–2011)[22]
- U.S. representatives
- Brenda Lawrence, former MI-14 (2015–2023)[23]
- Mark Schauer, former MI-7 (2009–2011)[24]
- Hillary Scholten, MI-3 (2023–present)[12]
- Statewide officials
- James Blanchard, former governor of Michigan (1983–1991)[25]
- Wes Moore, governor of Maryland (2023–present)[26]
- State legislators
- Sarah Anthony, SD-21 (2023–present)[27]
- Winnie Brinks, majority leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from SD-29 (2019–present)[23]
- Darrin Camilleri, SD-4 (2023–present)[28]
- Stephanie Chang, SD-3 (2019–present)[27]
- Jeff Irwin, SD-15 (2019–present)[25]
- Sean McCann, SD-19 (2019–present)[24]
- Jeremy Moss, SD-7 (2019–present)[29]
- Ranjeev Puri, minority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives (2025–present) from HD-24 (2021–present)[28]
- Sam Singh, SD-28 (2023–present)[25]
- Paul Wojno, SD-10 (2019–present) (previously endorsed Gilchrist)[28]
- 24 other state representatives[a]
- Local officials
- Abdullah Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn (2022–present)[33]
- David LaGrand, mayor of Grand Rapids (2025–present)[34]
- Greg Mathis, television personality and former district court judge[22]
- Mary Sheffield, mayor of Detroit (2026–present)[35]
- Christopher Taylor, mayor of Ann Arbor (2014–present)[31]
- Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney (2004–present)[32]
- Individuals
- Hill Harper, actor[31]
- Horace Sheffield III, pastor and talk show host[36]
- George Takei, actor[37]
- Party chapters
- 13th Congressional District Democratic Party[38]
- Labor unions
- Association of Flight Attendants-CWA[39]
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 26[40]
- Laborers' International Union of North America Michigan District Council and Locals 355 and 499[39]
- Michigan AFL-CIO[41]
- Michigan Nurses Association[42]
- Michigan Professional Fire Fighters[33]
- Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters[43]
- SEIU Michigan[44]
- Teamsters Locals 243, 247, 283, 406, and 1038[45]
- United Association Local 174[39]
- United Auto Workers[46]
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876[39] and 951[47]
- Organizations
- Emgage Action[44]
- EMILY's List[48]
- End Citizens United[49]
- Giffords[50]
- Jewish Democratic Council of America[51]
- Michigan Association for Justice[52]
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters[53]
- Reproductive Freedom for All[54]
- Vote Mama[55]
- Newspapers
Chris Swanson
- Statewide officials
- John Cherry, former lieutenant governor of Michigan (2003–2011)[57]
- Local officials
- Virgil Bernero, former mayor of Lansing (2006–2018)[57]
- Individuals
- Sean O'Brien, general president of the Teamsters (2022–present)[58]
- Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 875[59]
- Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2[43]
- International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 25[60]
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers[61]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Michigan and Local 948[62][60]
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324[60]
- Iron Workers Local 25[63]
- Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Michigan and statewide[42][44]
- Michigan Pipe Trades Association[44]
- Sheet Metal Workers' Local 7[59]
- SMART Local 7[53]
- Teamsters and Locals 214, 299, 332, and 614[58][64][65][60][66]
- United Association Locals 85[67] and 370[68]
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 149[59]
- Organizations
- Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce[22] (previously endorsed Duggan)
- Newspapers
Garlin Gilchrist (withdrawn)
- U.S. representatives
- Jasmine Crockett, TX-7 (2023–present)[69]
- Pramila Jayapal, WA-7 (2017–present)[70]
- Ilhan Omar, MN-5 (2019–present)[70]
- Rashida Tlaib, MI-12 (2019–present)[71]
- State legislators
- Brenda Carter, HD-53 (2019–present)[72]
- Kimberly Edwards, HD-12 (2023–present)[72]
Morgan Foreman, HD-33 (2025–present)[72] (endorsed Benson after withdrawal)- Peter Herzberg, HD-25 (2024–present)[72]
- Veronica Klinefelt, SD-11 (2023–present)[73]
- Donavan McKinney, HD-11 (2023–present)[72]
- Cynthia Neeley, HD-70 (2020–present)[72]
- Amos O'Neal, HD-94 (2021–present)[72]
Laurie Pohutsky, HD-17 (2019–present)[72] (endorsed Benson after withdrawal)Paul Wojno, SD-10 (2019–present)[73] (endorsed Benson after withdrawal)Mai Xiong, HD-13 (2024–present)[72] (endorsed Benson after withdrawal)
Declined to endorse
- U.S. senators
- Elissa Slotkin, Michigan (2025–present)[74]
- Statewide officials
- Gretchen Whitmer, incumbent governor (2019–present)[75]
- Labor unions
Debates and forums
| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Democratic | Democratic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
||||||
| Benson | Swanson | |||||
| 1 | June 4, 2026 | Fox 2 Detroit | Roop Raj | YouTube | I | P |
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn or disqualified candidate.
| Campaign finance reports as of July 19, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jocelyn Benson (D) | $10,716,576 | $4,311,982 | $6,404,593 |
| Garlin Gilchrist (D) | $1,316,061 | $1,302,624 | $13,436 |
| Marni Sawicki (D) | $15,930[b] | $14,605 | $1,325 |
| Chris Swanson (D) | $2,171,061 | $1,984,058 | $187,003 |
| Kim Thomas (D) | $0 | $22,005 | $0 |
| Source: Michigan Secretary of State[77] | |||
Polling
Aggregate polls
| Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Jocelyn Benson |
Chris Swanson |
Kim Thomas |
Undecided[c] | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race to the WH[78] | through July 11, 2026 | July 16, 2026 | 70.4% | 11.4% | 4.8% | 13.4% | Benson +59.0% |
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Jocelyn Benson |
Garlin Gilchrist |
Chris Swanson |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glengariff Group[79][A] | July 8–11, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 72% | – | 12% | – | 16% |
| Mitchell Research[80] | May 1–7, 2026 | 405 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 62% | – | 8% | – | 30% |
| Glengariff Group[81][B] | April 17–19, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 66% | – | 8% | 3%[e] | 23% |
| Emerson College[82] | April 11–13, 2026 | 519 (LV) | ± 4.3% | 52% | – | 5% | 8%[f] | 36% |
| Gilchrist withdraws from the race to run for Michigan Secretary of State | ||||||||
| Mitchell Research[83] | November 18–21, 2025 | 261 (LV) | ± 6.1% | 48% | 12% | 5% | – | 35% |
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 287 (LV) | ± 5.8% | 58% | 15% | 6% | – | 21% |
| Impact Research (D)[85][C] | September 30 – October 6, 2025 | 453 (LV) | ± 4.6% | 56% | 17% | 5% | – | 22% |
| Glengariff Group[86][B] | May 5−8, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 59% | 7% | 8% | – | 26% |
| 65%[g] | 10% | 5% | – | 20% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[87][D] | March 13, 2025 | 303 (LV) | ± 5.6% | 46% | 13% | 11% | – | 30% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jocelyn Benson | |||
| Democratic | Chris Swanson | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- John James, U.S. representative from Michigan's 10th congressional district (2023–present) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020[89]
- Perry Johnson, businessman, disqualified candidate for governor in 2022, and candidate for president in 2024[90]
Disqualified
Not on ballot
Withdrawn
- Mike Cox, former Michigan Attorney General (2003–2011) and candidate for governor in 2010 (remains on ballot; endorsed James)[95][96]
- Anthony Hudson, truck driver and candidate for Michigan's 8th congressional district in 2024 (switched to Libertarian convention)[97]
- Tom Leonard, former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (2017–2019) from the 93rd district (2013–2019), nominee for attorney general in 2018 and candidate in 2022 (endorsed James)[98][38]
- Aric Nesbitt, minority leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from 20th district (2019–present) (remains on ballot; endorsed James)[99]
- Karla Wagner, political organizer (running as an Independent)[100]
Declined
Endorsements
John James
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[103]
- U.S. representatives
- Jack Bergman, MI-01 (2017–present)[104]
- Statewide officials
- Mike Cox, former Michigan attorney general (2003–2011)[105]
- State legislators
- Jon Bumstead, SD-32 (2019–present)[54]
- Jay DeBoyer, HD-63 (2023–present)[106]
- Parker Fairbairn, HD-107 (2025–present)[63]
- Roger Hauck, SD-34 (2023–present)[63]
- Tom Leonard, former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (2017–2019) from HD-93 (2013–2019)[38]
- Peter Lucido, Macomb County prosecutor (2021–present) and former SD-8 (2019–2020)[106]
- Aric Nesbitt, minority leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from SD-20 (2019–present)[99]
- Alicia St. Germaine, HD-62 (2023–present)[106]
- Michael Webber, SD-9 (2023–present)[63]
- Local officials
- Mike Murphy, Livingston County sheriff (2017–present)[63]
- Individuals
- Ted Nugent, singer and songwriter[107]
- Kid Rock, rapper[108]
- Organizations
- Americans for Prosperity Michigan[109]
- Right to Life of Michigan[22]
- Newspapers
Perry Johnson
- State legislators
- David Agema, HD-74 (2007–2012)[111]
- Steve Carra, HD-36 (2021–present)[63]
- Matt Maddock, HD-51 (2023–present)[92]
Mike Cox (withdrawn)
- Organizations
- Michigan College Republicans[112]
Tom Leonard (withdrawn)
- Statewide officials
- Tom McMillin, member of the Michigan State Board of Education (2017–present)[29]
Debates and forums
| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Republican | Republican | Republican |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
|||||||
| Cox | James | Johnson | |||||
| 1[113] | July 8, 2026 | Fox 2 Detroit | Roop Raj | YouTube | P | P | P |
| 2[114] | July 9, 2026 | WOOD-TV | Rick Albin | YouTube | P | P | P |
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn or disqualified candidate.
| Campaign finance reports as of July 19, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Mike Cox (R) | $7,641,829[h] | $6,778,906 | $862,922 |
| Anthony Hudson (R) | $13,682 | $12,480 | $1,202 |
| John James (R) | $5,557,071 | $4,165,126 | $1,391,944 |
| Perry Johnson (R) | $30,808,204[i] | $29,598,184 | $1,188,625 |
| Tom Leonard (R) | $1,076,397[j] | $983,805 | $92,592 |
| Aric Nesbitt (R) | $3,629,701 | $3,392,477 | $237,224 |
| Ralph Rebandt (R) | $1,011,082[k] | $985,799 | $25,283 |
| Karla Wagner (R) | $4,092 | $2,671 | $1,421 |
| Source: Michigan Secretary of State[77] | |||
Polling
Aggregate polls
| Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Mike Cox |
John James |
Perry Johnson |
Undecided[c] | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270toWin[116] | June 1–15, 2026 | June 26, 2026 | 23.5% | 29.5% | 21.0% | 26.0%[l] | James +6.0% |
| RealClearPolitics[117] | May 20 – June 14, 2026 | June 26, 2026 | 22.3% | 32.3% | 17.3% | 28.1%[m] | James +10.0% |
| Race to the WH[118] | through June 14, 2026 | June 26, 2026 | 17.1% | 32.1% | 19.1% | 31.7%[n] | James +13.0% |
| Average | 21.0% | 31.3% | 19.1% | 28.6% | James +10.3% | ||
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Mike Cox |
John James |
Perry Johnson |
Tom Leonard |
Aric Nesbitt |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox withdraws from the race, endorses James | ||||||||||
| OnMessage Inc. (R)[119][E] | June 28–30, 2026 | 800 (LV) | – | 14% | 46% | 21% | – | – | – | 19% |
| Nesbitt withdraws from the race, endorses James | ||||||||||
| Strategic National (R)[120][F] | June 10–14, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 12% | 24% | 27% | – | 6% | – | 31% |
| Susquehanna Polling & Research[121] | June 9–14, 2026 | 175 (LV) | ± 7.4% | 20% | 38% | 10% | – | 3% | 5%[o] | 24% |
| Mitchell Research[122][D] | June 11–13, 2026 | 404 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 27% | 28% | 23% | – | 4% | – | 18% |
| Tarrance Group (R)[123][E] | June 1–4, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 22% | 38% | 26% | – | 12% | – | 2% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[124][G] | May 20–23, 2026 | 555 (LV) | – | 20% | 31% | 19% | – | 3% | 5%[p] | 21% |
| 1892 Polling (R)[125][F] | May 12–14, 2026 | 681 (LV) | ± 3.8% | 7% | 24% | 23% | – | 7% | – | 39% |
| Mitchell Research[126][D] | May 1–7, 2026 | 400 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 19% | 32% | 23% | – | 7% | 2%[q] | 17% |
| Glengariff Group[127][B] | April 21–24, 2026 | 500 (LV) | – | 10% | 37% | 20% | 3% | 7% | 6%[r] | 20% |
| Leonard withdraws from the race | ||||||||||
| OnMessage Inc. (R)[128][E] | April 15–18, 2026 | 400 (LV) | – | 7% | 41% | 18% | – | 5% | – | – |
| Emerson College[82] | April 11–13, 2026 | 452 (LV) | ± 4.6% | 10% | 20% | 21% | 4% | 3% | 3%[s] | 39% |
| 1892 Polling (R)[129][F] | March 25–26, 2026 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 6% | 26% | 21% | 1% | 4% | 1%[t] | 42% |
| JMC Analytics[130] | March 21–23, 2026 | 450 (LV) | ± 4.6% | 6% | 23% | 20% | 3% | 5% | – | 43% |
| OnMessage Inc. (R)[131][E] | March 16–19, 2026 | 509 (LV) | ± 4.3% | 10% | 37% | 19% | 1% | 4% | – | 30% |
| 1892 Polling (R)[129][F] | February 2026 | – (V) | – | 5% | 44% | 4% | 2% | 4% | 0%[u] | 35% |
| Johnson enters the race | ||||||||||
| Mitchell Research[83] | November 18–21, 2025 | 255 (LV) | ± 6.1% | 11% | 48% | – | 5% | 2% | 1%[t] | 33% |
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 252 (LV) | ± 6.2% | 13% | 44% | 4% | 3% | 6% | 5%[v] | 25% |
| Plymouth Union Public (R)[132] | October 8−9, 2025 | 200 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 7% | 41% | – | <5% | <5% | – | – |
| Target Insyght[88] | March 3–6, 2025 | 336 (V) | ± 5.7% | 5% | 57% | 1% | – | 13% | – | 23% |
| National Research (R)[133][H] | February 17–19, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 10% | 38% | – | – | 17% | 8% | 27% |
| OnMessage Inc.(R)[134][I] | January 17–19, 2025 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.1% | 4% | 46% | – | 1% | 6% | 9%[w] | 35% |
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Mike Cox |
Tudor Dixon |
John James |
Perry Johnson |
Tom Leonard |
Aric Nesbitt |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 252 (LV) | ± 6.2% | 10% | 33% | 25% | – | – | – | – |
| Glengariff Group[86][B] | May 5−8, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 11% | 20% | 42% | – | – | 5% | 22% |
| 10%[g] | 24% | 44% | – | – | 4% | 18% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[87][D] | March 13, 2025 | 281 (LV) | ± 5.8% | 10% | 30% | 31% | 8% | 1% | 5% | 15% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Cox (withdrawn) | |||
| Republican | John James | |||
| Republican | Perry Johnson | |||
| Republican | Aric Nesbitt (withdrawn) | |||
| Total votes | 100.00 | |||
Libertarian convention
Candidates
Nominee
- Anthony Hudson, truck driver and Republican candidate for Michigan's 8th congressional district in 2024 (switched from Republican primary)[97][135]
- Running mate: Beau Parmenter, businessman[135]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Anthony Hudson (L) | $25,183 | $21,245 | $3,937 |
| Source: Michigan Secretary of State[77] | |||
Independents
Candidates
Declared
- Karla Wagner, political organizer (previously ran as a Republican)[100]
Withdrawn
- Mike Duggan, former mayor of Detroit (2014–2026)[1]
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Mike Duggan (I) | $5,021,544 | $2,421,709 | $2,652,097 |
| Karla Wagner (I) | $4,092 | $2,671 | $1,421 |
| Source: Michigan Secretary of State[77] | |||
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[136] | Tilt D | June 25, 2026 |
| Race to the WH[137] | Lean D | June 19, 2026 |
| RealClearPolitics[138] | Tossup | June 5, 2026 |
| Fox News[139] | Lean D | July 23, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[140] | Lean D | July 23, 2026 |
| The Cook Political Report[141] | Lean D | July 12, 2026 |
Endorsements
Mike Duggan (I) (withdrawn)
- Executive branch officials
- Sandy Baruah, former administrator of the Small Business Administration (2008–2009) (Republican)[142]
- U.S. representatives
- Dave Trott, former MI-11 (2015–2019) (Independent; elected as a Republican)[143]
- Statewide officials
- Mark Bernstein, regent of the University of Michigan (2013–present) (Democratic)[143]
- Marshall Bullock, member of the Michigan State Board of Education (2023–present) (Democratic)[143]
- Denise Ilitch, regent of the University of Michigan (2009–present) (Democratic)[143]
- Conrad Mallett Jr., former Chief Justice (1997–1998) of the Michigan Supreme Court (1990–1999) (Democratic)[144]
- State legislators
- 14 state representatives[y]
- Local officials
- Laura Toy, at-large Livonia city councilor (1988–1995, 2008–2015, 2018–present) and former state senator from the 6th district (2003–2006) (Republican)[147]
- Mary Waters, at-large Detroit city councilor (2022–present) (Democratic)[146]
- Karen Weaver, former mayor of Flint (2015–2019) (Democratic)[143]
- Individuals
- William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor Company (1999–present)[148]
- Andrew Yang, businessman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate (Forward)[149]
- Labor unions
- Amalgamated Transit Union Locals 26 and 1564[150][151]
- American Postal Workers Union Local 480-481[42]
- Detroit Police Officers Association and Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association[152]
- International Association of Fire Fighters Local 344[142]
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 38[39]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58[153]
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 43[z][154]
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2[155]
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Council 1M[156]
- Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union[157]
- Michigan Regional State Council of Carpenters and Millwrights[158]
- UNITE HERE Local 24[142]
- United Association Locals 98, 636, and 704[39][42][157]
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 149[159]
- Organizations
- Detroit NAACP[160]
- Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce[161]
- Emgage Action[25]
Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce[159] (endorsed Swanson after withdrawal)
- Political parties
Polling
Jocelyn Benson vs. John James
Jocelyn Benson vs. Perry Johnson
Hypothetical polling
Jocelyn Benson vs. Mike Cox
Jocelyn Benson vs. Mike Cox vs. Mike Duggan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Jocelyn Benson (D) |
Mike Cox (R) |
Mike Duggan (I) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[165][D] | May 1–7, 2026 | 607 (LV) | ± 6.0% | 41% | 30% | 14% | 15% |
| Glengariff Group[166][J] | January 2–6, 2026 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 34% | 28% | 31% | 7% |
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 637 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 37% | 33% | 19% | 11% |
| Glengariff Group[86][B] | May 5−8, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 35% | 27% | 25% | 13% |
| 39%[g] | 26% | 25% | 10% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[87][D] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 37% | 35% | 16% | 12% |
Jocelyn Benson vs. Dick DeVos vs. Mike Duggan
Jocelyn Benson vs. Tudor Dixon vs. Mike Duggan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Jocelyn Benson (D) |
Tudor Dixon (R) |
Mike Duggan (I) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 637 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 35% | 38% | 18% | 9% |
| Glengariff Group[86][B] | May 5−8, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 35% | 31% | 24% | 10% |
| 40%[g] | 31% | 23% | 6% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[87][D] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 38% | 36% | 16% | 10% |
Jocelyn Benson vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan
| Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Jocelyn Benson (D) |
John James (R) |
Mike Duggan (I) |
Other/ |
Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race to the WH[168] | through May 7, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | 34.8% | 29.9% | 20.7% | 14.6% | Benson +4.9% |
| Real Clear Politics[169] | January 2 – May 7, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | 36.0% | 31.0% | 20.7% | 12.3% | Benson +5.0% |
| Average | 35.4% | 30.5% | 20.7% | 13.4% | Benson +4.9% | ||
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Jocelyn Benson (D) |
John James (R) |
Mike Duggan (I) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Research[165][D] | May 1–7, 2026 | 607 (LV) | ± 6.0% | 42% | 30% | 13% | – | 15% |
| Glengariff Group[170][B] | April 28 – May 1, 2026 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 34% | 29% | 23% | 1% | 13% |
| Impact Research (D)[171][C] | March 23–29, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 40% | 36% | 20% | – | 4% |
| Michigan State University/YouGov[172] | March 2–24, 2026 | 1,000 (A) | ± 3.4% | 27% | 19% | 16% | 6% | 33% |
| 30%[ac] | 23% | 19% | – | 29% | ||||
| Impact Research (D)[173][C] | February 9–16, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 39% | 36% | 20% | – | 5% |
| Glengariff Group[174][B] | January 27 – February 2, 2026 | – (LV) | – | 28% | 29% | 30% | 1% | 12% |
| 45% | 41% | – | – | 14% | ||||
| 32% | – | 54% | – | 14% | ||||
| – | 30% | 58% | – | 12% | ||||
| 600 (RV) | 28% | 28% | 30% | 1% | 13% | |||
| 45% | 40% | – | – | 15% | ||||
| 31% | – | 53% | – | 16% | ||||
| – | 30% | 57% | – | 13% | ||||
| Glengariff Group[166][J] | January 2–6, 2026 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 32% | 34% | 26% | – | 8% |
| 47% | 45% | – | 1% | 7% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[175][D] | November 18–21, 2025 | 616 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 31% | 37% | 18% | – | 14% |
| EPIC-MRA[176] | November 6–11, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 33% | 34% | 20% | – | 13% |
| Rosetta Stone Communications (R)[84] | October 23–25, 2025 | 637 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 34% | 39% | 18% | – | 9% |
| Schoen Cooperman Research (D)[177] | October 9−14, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 30% | 29% | 26% | – | 15% |
| Glengariff Group[86][B] | May 5−8, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 35% | 34% | 22% | – | 9% |
| 38%[g] | 33% | 21% | – | 8% | ||||
| Mitchell Research[87][D] | March 13, 2025 | 688 (LV) | ± 3.7% | 37% | 34% | 16% | – | 13% |
| Target Insyght[178] | February 3–8, 2025 | 600 (V) | ± 4.0% | 42% | 30% | 21% | – | 7% |
Jocelyn Benson vs. Perry Johnson vs. Mike Duggan
Jocelyn Benson vs. Tom Leonard vs. Mike Duggan
Jocelyn Benson vs. Aric Nesbitt vs. Mike Duggan
Garlin Gilchrist vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan
Chris Swanson vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan
Generic Democrat vs. Mike Cox vs. Mike Duggan
Generic Democrat vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan
See also
Notes
- Joey Andrews, HD-38 (2023–present)[24]
- Noah Arbit, HD-20 (2023–present)[24]
- Felicia Brabec, former HD-33 (2021–2024)[30]
- Kelly Breen, HD-21 (2019–present)[24]
- Julie Brixie, HD-73 (2019–present)[24]
- Betsy Coffia, HD-103 (2023–present)[24]
- Jennifer Conlin, HD-48 (2023–present)[24]
- Emily Dievendorf, HD-77 (2023–present)[31]
- Morgan Foreman, HD-33 (2025–present) (previously endorsed Gilchrist)[30]
- Jason Hoskins, HD-18 (2023–present)[30]
- Denise Mentzer, HD-61 (2023–present)[24]
- Jason Morgan, HD-23 (2023–present)[24]
- Tonya Myers Phillips, HD-7 (2025–present)[32]
- Veronica Paiz, HD-10 (2023–present)[25]
- Laurie Pohutsky, HD-17 (2019–present) (previously endorsed Gilchrist)[28]
- Natalie Price, HD-6 (2023–present)[24]
- Carrie Rheingans, HD-47 (2023–present)[24]
- Phil Skaggs, HD-80 (2023–present)[24]
- Penelope Tsernoglou, HD-75 (2023–present)[24]
- Dylan Wegela, HD-26 (2023–present)[24]
- Jimmie Wilson Jr., HD-32 (2023–present)[24]
- Stephen Wooden, HD-81 (2025–present)[30]
- Mai Xiong, HD-13 (2024–present) (previously endorsed Gilchrist)[27]
- Adam Zemke, former HD-55 (2013–2019)[24]
- $13,300 of this total has been self-funded by Sawicki
- Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
- Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - Mike Duggan, Abdul El-Sayed, and Garlin Gilchrist with a combined 3%
- Kim Thomas with 5%; Kevin Hogan with 2%; Marni Sawicki with 1%
- Among "definite voters"
- $30.75 million of this total has been self-funded by Johnson
- $105,000 of this total has been self-funded by Leonard
- $848,340 of this total has been self-funded by Rebandt
- Aric Nesbitt with 5.0%
- Aric Nesbitt with 3.3%
- Aric Nesbitt with 3.8%; Ralph Rebandt with 0.6%
- Anthony Hudson with 5%; Ralph Rebandt with 0%
- Joyce Gipson with 3%; Ralph Rebandt & Evan Space with 1%
- Anthony Hudson with 2%; Ralph Rebandt with 0%
- Ralph Rebandt with 1%; "Someone else" with 5%
- Joyce Gipson, Ralph Rebandt, and Evan Space with 1%; Karla Wangner with 0%
- Ralph Rebandt with 1%
- Ralph Rebandt with 0%
- Kevin Rinke with 4%; Ralph Rebandt with 1%
- Kevin Rinke with 3%; "Other" with 6%
- Woronchak held this seat as a Republican, and was then elected to the Wayne County Commission's 13th district (2005–2018) as a Democrat.
- Brian Banks, former HD-1 (2013–2017) and convicted felon (Democratic)[145]
- Wendell Byrd, former HD-3 (2015–2021) (Democratic)[145]
- Phil Cavanagh, former HD-10 (2011–2014) (Democratic)[145]
- John Chirkun, former HD-22 (2015–2021) (Democratic)[145]
- Edward Gaffney, former HD-1 (2003–2008) (Republican)[145]
- Kurt Heise, former HD-20 (2011–2016) (Republican)[143]
- James Kosteva, former HD-37 (1985–1992) (Democratic)[145]
- Phil LaJoy, former HD-21 (2003–2008) (Republican)[145]
- Keith Stallworth, former HD-12 (1997–2002) (Democratic)[143]
- Thomas Stallworth III, former HD-7 (2011–2015) (Democratic)[143]
- Richard Steenland, former HD-22 (2021–2023) (Democratic)[144]
- Buzz Thomas, former HD-4 (1997–2011) (Democratic)[145]
- Karen Whitsett, HD-4 (2019–present) (Democratic)[146]
- Gary Woronchak, former HD-15 (1999–2004)[x] (Democratic)[145]
- While both Joint Council 43 and its president Kevin Moore had endorsed Duggan, it was not "on behalf of their 10 affiliated local unions."[154] Of the 10 statewide locals, a majority consisting of 5 locals endorsed Benson,[45] whereas two additional locals, Locals 332 and 614, endorsed Swanson instead.[60][66]
- "Someone Else" with 8%
- "Someone Else" with 6%
- Leaners pushed
- Partisan clients
- Poll commissioned by WDIV-TV and The Detroit News.
- Poll sponsored by The Detroit Regional Chamber, which endorsed Duggan in July 2025
- Poll sponsored by Benson's campaign
- Poll commissioned by MIRS, a nonpartisan tipsheet
- Poll sponsored by James' campaign
- Poll sponsored by Johnson's campaign
- Poll sponsored by League of American Workers
- Poll sponsored by Harbor Strategic Public Affairs
- Poll commissioned by WDIV-TV and The Detroit News