Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's decision to run for governor as an "independent" candidate may be a self-destructive move, handing the Republicans the statehouse. The math is simple: at least 40% of voters will reflexively pull the lever for any Republican candidate, regardless of their qualifications or policies.
Duggan's proposed third-party candidacy would likely split the Democratic vote, allowing a Republican to win with just 45% of the vote. This scenario would also open the floodgates for out-of-state Republican billionaires to pour millions into the campaign, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, there is no plausible argument that Michigan needs a "moderate" third-party alternative in the executive branch. The leadership in Michigan has been successful under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her party's trifecta of holding the Governorship, House, and Senate seats from 2023 to 2024.
Duggan's candidacy would not only fail to attract Republican votes but also brand him with the "Double-D" curse, making it impossible for him to win over out-of-state voters. The Republican campaign machinery would focus on supporting their own candidate instead of throwing resources at Duggan's unlikely bid.
The 2026 election is crucial for Michigan's future, with extreme differences between the two parties. This is not the time for an ego-driven exercise or a protest vote. Duggan should reconsider his decision and explore other ways to contribute meaningfully to the state's politics.
Duggan's proposed third-party candidacy would likely split the Democratic vote, allowing a Republican to win with just 45% of the vote. This scenario would also open the floodgates for out-of-state Republican billionaires to pour millions into the campaign, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, there is no plausible argument that Michigan needs a "moderate" third-party alternative in the executive branch. The leadership in Michigan has been successful under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her party's trifecta of holding the Governorship, House, and Senate seats from 2023 to 2024.
Duggan's candidacy would not only fail to attract Republican votes but also brand him with the "Double-D" curse, making it impossible for him to win over out-of-state voters. The Republican campaign machinery would focus on supporting their own candidate instead of throwing resources at Duggan's unlikely bid.
The 2026 election is crucial for Michigan's future, with extreme differences between the two parties. This is not the time for an ego-driven exercise or a protest vote. Duggan should reconsider his decision and explore other ways to contribute meaningfully to the state's politics.
. He's basically setting himself up for a lose-lose situation: if he wins with 45% of the vote, it'll be seen as a fluke, but if he loses, his attempt to break into national politics will be viewed as a vanity project 
. Michigan's already got a solid track record under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her party's trifecta – what makes Duggan think an independent run would shake things up? 
The math just doesn't add up for him, sadly. It'd split the Democratic vote and let Republicans swoop in with out-of-state cash injections 
. Not to mention, his attempt at being a moderate third-party candidate is already alienating potential voters who wouldn't have considered him otherwise 
. In 2026, Michigan's future hangs in the balance – now's not the time for an ego-driven stunt or protest vote 
. Maybe Duggan should reevaluate and find another way to contribute meaningfully? 
, this is gonna be a disaster 
! Like, what was he thinking? He's basically setting up the Reps to win the whole thing 
. I mean, come on, at least 40% of voters are just gonna vote Rep just 'cause it's easier than choosing between two people with different views 
. And then you got all those out-of-state billionaires pouring in cash 
.
. I mean, Gret Whitmer and her crew have been killin' it since 2023 
. What's Duggan gonna bring to the table? Just his ego? 
.
. We need someone with some real vision and leadership skills 
, not just some ego-driven experiment 
. He should just chill and let the experts handle it 
!
. Gretchen Whitmer did a great job and they should stick with what works 
. this ego trip is gonna cost him dearly 
. Who cares if it splits the Dem vote? At least he'll be honest about not being a Democrat, right? And instead of pouring in all that cash from out-of-state billionaires, maybe we can get some real, local fundraising going on 
The thought of those out-of-state billionaires pouring money into the Republicans' campaign is just wild... what's Michigan gonna end up looking like? A total mess! 
. It's also worth considering that running as an independent might make him look like he's more interested in his own ego than the well-being of Michigan 
. But at the same time, it just seems like a long shot 
. I mean, 40% of voters are gonna automatically go Republican? That's just crazy talk 
! And if he does end up splitting the Dem vote, it's only gonna make it harder for him to win in the first place 
. That'd be a real game-changer 
.
and it's not like Michigans gov seat is even up for grabs 
. And yeah, him runnin for gov with a name like Double-D is just askin for trouble