Michigan's Governorship: A Recipe for Disaster - Duggan's Independent Bid is a Self-Destructive Move
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's decision to run for governor as an "independent" candidate is a mathematically doomed attempt to hand the Republicans the statehouse. The simple arithmetic here is that at least 40% of voters will reflexively support any Republican, making it impossible for a Democrat like Duggan to win with his non-partisan stance.
The Democrats' best shot in this election hinges on a strong candidate running alone under a unified party banner, which would undoubtedly beat any Republican in the 2026 contest. However, by throwing his hat into the ring as an independent, Duggan inadvertently clears the path for a Republican victory. His candidacy would split the "non-Republican" vote, allowing a Republican to win with as little as 45% of the vote.
This scenario is all too plausible, given Duggan's campaign funding from Republican interests. The leadership in Michigan under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats has achieved notable successes, and there is no compelling argument for a third-party "moderate" alternative in the executive branch. In fact, Duggan's independent bid would potentially pave the way for an extreme MAGA candidate to be elected.
Moreover, once Duggan officially enters the ballot, his campaign money will shift from supporting himself to backing the Republican candidate. This self-defeating strategy would ultimately brand him with a "Double-D" curse, alienating out-of-state Republicans who might otherwise consider voting for him.
The 2026 election is crucial for Michigan's future, and this contest highlights the stark differences between Democrats and Republicans. With such high stakes, it is imperative that Duggan focus on running a traditional campaign as a Democrat, rather than indulging in an ego-driven exercise or protest vote. The fate of Michigan and its people depend on it.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's decision to run for governor as an "independent" candidate is a mathematically doomed attempt to hand the Republicans the statehouse. The simple arithmetic here is that at least 40% of voters will reflexively support any Republican, making it impossible for a Democrat like Duggan to win with his non-partisan stance.
The Democrats' best shot in this election hinges on a strong candidate running alone under a unified party banner, which would undoubtedly beat any Republican in the 2026 contest. However, by throwing his hat into the ring as an independent, Duggan inadvertently clears the path for a Republican victory. His candidacy would split the "non-Republican" vote, allowing a Republican to win with as little as 45% of the vote.
This scenario is all too plausible, given Duggan's campaign funding from Republican interests. The leadership in Michigan under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats has achieved notable successes, and there is no compelling argument for a third-party "moderate" alternative in the executive branch. In fact, Duggan's independent bid would potentially pave the way for an extreme MAGA candidate to be elected.
Moreover, once Duggan officially enters the ballot, his campaign money will shift from supporting himself to backing the Republican candidate. This self-defeating strategy would ultimately brand him with a "Double-D" curse, alienating out-of-state Republicans who might otherwise consider voting for him.
The 2026 election is crucial for Michigan's future, and this contest highlights the stark differences between Democrats and Republicans. With such high stakes, it is imperative that Duggan focus on running a traditional campaign as a Democrat, rather than indulging in an ego-driven exercise or protest vote. The fate of Michigan and its people depend on it.