DETROIT, MI (WTVB) – New polling reveals a statistical deadlock in the 2026 race for Michigan Governor, with three candidates essentially tied at the top of the field.
A February survey by the Glengariff Group for the Detroit Regional Chamber found independent candidate and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan holding a narrow edge at 30.1%, followed by Republican U.S. Rep. John James at 28.9% and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at 28.0%.
This tight three-way split follows earlier January data that showed James leading with 33.8%. The current results suggest that Duggan’s independent run is significantly disrupting the traditional two-party dynamic as voters seek alternatives to partisan politics.
The high-stakes battle to succeed the term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also highlighted a growing gap in voter motivation. While the race is mathematically tied, Democratic voters report an 87% enthusiasm level to vote, compared to just 72% for Republicans—a “huge red flag” according to veteran pollsters.
Benson remains the clear Democratic favorite with 59.3% support in her primary, while James
maintains a strong lead in a crowded GOP field. However, the presence of a strong independent candidate like Dugan means the next governor could potentially win with less than 40% of the total vote, a historic first for the state.
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