Mike Duggan, Jocelyn Benson and Dick DeVos.
An Epic/MRA poll of a hypothetical gubernatorial race in 2026 shows Republican Dick DeVos and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tied at 31 percent. Independent candidate, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has the support of 23 percent, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Fifteen percent were undecided. The poll, which did not include other candidates, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The poll, taken between Feb. 3 and 8, included 600 likely Michigan voters.
Pollster Bernie Porn, president of Epic/MRA tells Fox 2 that if Duggan doesn't win, it could spell trouble for Democrats.
"If he does not win, he is pushing the race to the Republican, whoever that Republican may be," Porn said.
He said the poll shows Duggan drawing support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Duggan also leads in Macomb and Wayne counties and is virtually tied with Benson in Oakland County, Fox 2 reports.
Both Benson and Duggan have announced their candidacy, while DeVos has not. DeVos, who is married to former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, ran unsuccessfuly for governor in 2006. He currently serves on the board of the West Michigan Policy Forum.
Former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers and Democratic former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg may enter the race. Others who have already declared include Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Republican state Sen. Aric Nesbitt. Republican Congressman John James has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
