Duggan Internal Poll Shows Him Closing Fast

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/24/2025) An internal poll from Mike Duggan's gubernatorial campaign shows the independent candidate at 26 percent, within the poll's +/- 4 percent margin of error of Democratic frontrunner Jocelyn BENSON (30 percent) and Republican John James (R-Shelby Township) in a hypothetical Nov. 3. 2026, matchup. 

The 600-person survey taken Oct. 9-14 from Schoen Cooperman Research shows Duggan is “rapidly closing the gap” and is proof that “Michigan is ready to vote for an independent.” 

Among independent voters, Duggan leads 35% to Benson 22% and James's 21% with 22% undecided. Among Democrats, Benson is up 62%, Duggan 25% and James 3% with 10% undecided. Among Republicans, James is up 61%, Duggan 19% and Benson 5% with 15% undecided. 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, currently an independent candidate for Governor.

Duggan's favorability rating is 45% favorable/18% unfavorable, with 37% not sure or having never heard of him. Benson's favorability rating is 40%/30% with 30% not sure or having never heard of her. James is sitting at 37%/28% with 35% not sure or having never heard of him or unsure. Democrat Garlin GILCHRIST II is at 21%/20% with 59% having never heard of him or unsure. The same poll has President Donald Trump at 48%/50% with 2% unsure. 

Duggan is the one candidate in this race viewed favorably by voters across the political spectrum. Democrats, Independents and Republicans all give Duggan double-digit positive ratings. 

Duggan's job approval numbers are 53% favorable/17% unfavorable with 30% not sure. Benson's as Secretary of State are 48%/32% with 20% not sure. James's as Congressman are 40%/31% with 29 percent unsure. Gilchrist is at 34%/28% with 38% not sure. 

A 64% majority also said they have a favorable view of Detroit, while 26% do not. 

The poll also shows 57 percent of respondents “feel forgotten” by Democrats and Republicans in Lansing. A combined 27% “do not feel forgotten” and 16% are not sure. 

Respondents were reached randomly through live phone (cell and landline) and online interviews. 

“We are building a coalition of support unlike anything this state has seen before, pulling unprecedented support from Democrats and Republicans. We’re winning unions, chambers of commerce, clergy and elected officials,” said Ed Duggan, campaign manager for Duggan for Michigan.  

“Again and again, the numbers keep showing that Michigan voters are ready for a leader like Mike Duggan who has a strong track record of getting results by getting people to work together to solve issues that improve quality of life for everyone.” 

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