James & Benson Neck and Neck, Duggan 13 Points Behind In Poll

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 11/14/2025) New polling from the Lansing-based firm EPIC-MRA shows a tight race for governor, widespread concern about the impact of tariffs, a close contest for the U.S. Senate, and measured job approval ratings for both Michigan's Governor and U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the governor's race, U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) leads Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson by just one point, 34 percent to 33 percent, while independent candidate Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan trails with 20 percent. These results reflect a competitive three-way contest heading into the next stage of the campaign.

The survey also asked voters about inflation and the effect of federal tariffs. When respondents were asked whether the tariffs imposed by President Trump had increased prices, decreased prices or kept them the same, 64 percent said tariffs had increased prices. That includes 37 percent who believed prices had gone up a lot and 27 percent who said they had increased somewhat. Another 29 percent reported no change, while just 2 percent saw a slight decrease in prices.

In addition, the U.S. Senate race was tested by matching the two leading Democratic candidates against former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, the leading Republican contender. In these hypothetical matchups, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) led Rogers 44 percent to 42 percent, and Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) held a similar edge at 43 percent to 42 percent.

On job approval, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a 51 percent positive rating and 48 percent negative rating. President Donald Trump registered a 43 percent positive job approval rating, compared with a 56 percent negative job rating.

The Nov. 6-11 poll used 600 live interviews, 80 percent of which were by cell phone. The margin of error of was +/- 4 percent. Results can be downloaded here.