(Detroit) – Eleven of Michigan’s labor unions have now stepped away from their historic support of Democrats to back Independent candidate Mike Duggan in Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race. All of Duggan’s endorsements are available at MikeDuggan.com/endorsements.
Pipefitters Local 636
“It is our pleasure, after careful and deliberate consideration, to share our endorsement of Mike Duggan to serve as the next Governor of Michigan,” said Larry Krisniski, Business Manager of Local 636. “With Mayor Duggan’s accomplishments in the City of Detroit, we feel that he will be the best leader for the State of Michigan. Our members work in Detroit and across Southeast Michigan everyday, and we see that Mayor Duggan has made incredible progress in our city and region. Now, we need him to do that for the rest of Michigan.”
APWU Local 480-481
“As Local President it is my pleasure to announce this historic endorsement,” said Steve Wood, President of APWU Local 480-481. “Our members have recognized the many accomplishments while serving as mayor of the City of Detroit. This includes lowering Detroit’s crime rate to the lowest in 50 years, bringing the city out of bankruptcy, and for the first time in 60 years, the city population is growing. We look forward to seeing what Mike Duggan has planned for the future of the great State of Michigan.”
Teamsters Joint Council 43
“Seeing what the city of Detroit, the turn around, with labor and with business, the community, seeing Detroit revitalized – the hotels, the restaurants, the police force making sure the city is safe. The city of Detroit is on the move, on the rise, thanks to Mike Duggan,” said Kevin Moore, President, Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43. “Here in America, neither party wants to work together, but I know one guy that will: Mike Duggan. Mike Duggan will work with any party or no party to get work done. He wants to work for every single person in Michigan – and you can count on it. He has values and trust in his word. Mike Duggan has an honor code, and he will work great with labor and business. He’s going to change the dynamics of Michigan.”
2018, 2022 Endorsement: Whitmer
Michigan Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2
“Mike Duggan is the reason I was working in downtown Detroit when no one else was,” said Brett Gierak, president of BAC Local 2. “Duggan brought development back and he made sure union trades were at the center of it. That meant work for our members, growth for our union and real opportunity for young people entering the trades. Mike Duggan doesn’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. He’ll work with you to get the job done. That’s exactly what Michigan needs.”
Detroit Police Officers Association
“Michigan’s next governor has to prioritize the safety of first responders and our communities. Detroit is proof you can do both successfully and serves as an example of what can be done across Michigan,” said DPOA President Craig Miller. “Duggan’s leadership as mayor has been transformative for Detroit, driving down crime and improving the quality of life for residents. We believe his vision and dedication make him the right choice to lead Michigan as governor.”
Detroit Fire Fighters Association
“The men and women of the Detroit Fire Department dedicate their lives to protecting the citizens of Detroit. Under Mayor Mike Duggan’s leadership, we’ve seen historic improvements for our firefighters and EMS teams that have significantly enhanced the safety of our communities,” said DFFA President Thomas M. Gehart. “Through genuine collaboration, we’ve made Detroit safer, and we are confident that Duggan’s dedication to working together will pave the way for stronger, more unified communities across Michigan”
Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association
“Mike Duggan has done so much for our city, from strengthening public safety to guiding us through the toughest times. During bankruptcy, we couldn’t see a bright future for Detroit or our members, but today, there’s hope—and Mike Duggan was at the helm of that transformation,”
said DPLSA President Mark Young. “If he could do this for the working men and women of the Detroit Police Department, imagine what he could accomplish for the entire state of Michigan.”
UNITE HERE Local 24
“Mike Duggan’s involvement with the casino strike in 2023 was huge,” said Terrell George, vice president of UNITE HERE Local 24. “When you go out on strike, it’s easy to go out on strike—but it’s hard to get back in. During that time, he sat the casinos down, he sat the unions down and we worked together. Thanks to his leadership, we found a solution. Because he fought for us, I know he’ll fight for the hardworking men and women of Michigan.”
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
“Mike Duggan’s leadership has turned vision into opportunity. Not just for the city, but for our workers,” said Mike Barnwell, President of the MRCC. “Mike Duggan made sure that when Amazon was considering building in Detroit, the MRCC was at the table. Together, we took on a complex, high impact project and ensured it created local jobs for local workers. This is the kind of partnership that creates real opportunity and sets a standard for how labor and business can build a stronger Michigan together.”
IATSE Local 38
“Mike Duggan has always been a leader who puts people and results ahead of politics. As mayor of Detroit, he brought the city back from the brink of self-destruction with smart investments and a deep commitment to working families,” said John S. Kinsora, president of IATSE Local 38. “His decision to run for governor as an Independent shows that he’s focused on the people, not the party. Michigan needs that kind of no-nonsense leadership and I know he’s the one to deliver that.”
Plumbers Local 98
“When Mike Duggan first ran for mayor, people said he was a longshot—but we were one of the first to believe in and endorse him, and he’s never let us down,” said Gary Glaser, Business Manager of Plumbers Local 98. “During the pandemic, he made sure we were treated like the skilled tradesmen we are. He’s always had our backs—not just with words, but with real action. He listens, he shows up and he’s helped us bring in the next generation of apprentices. That’s the kind of leadership Michigan needs. That’s why we’re proud to stand with him as he runs for governor as an Independent.”
