Chris Holman welcomes back Mayor Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit, Michigan.

Chris had several questions for Mayor Duggan during this conversation:

Mayor Duggan, your proposal to suspend pay for state officials if the budget isn’t passed on time is bold. How do you believe this would directly impact Michigan’s business climate and investor confidence?

With schools unable to plan due to budget delays, how do these uncertainties affect Michigan’s future workforce—and what does that mean for local employers today?

You’ve emphasized accountability from elected officials. How could this “No Budget, No Pay” policy encourage a more business-like approach to governance in Lansing?

From a mayor who passed 12 consecutive balanced budgets, what lessons from Detroit’s financial management can be applied statewide, particularly during fiscal standoffs?

You’ve made 4th grade reading scores a key campaign focus. How do you see education outcomes as tied to Michigan’s long-term economic development and talent retention?

Additionally fresh news from the morning of recording, July 17th, was that Mayor Duggan had picked up the endorsement of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s PAC. Tell us about that?

The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsement of Mike Duggan for the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election.

With a quorum of PAC members present, the decision to endorse Duggan was unanimous. Mike Duggan endorsement.

Duggan, who is running in one of the nation’s most high-profile independent runs for office, has a proven track record of executive-level business experience prior to his time as mayor, as the leader who successfully transformed the then-challenged Detroit Medical Center, while he also served on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors.

“The Chamber and businesses across the state are growing increasingly concerned about the inability of our political parties to find common ground and move Michigan forward,” said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah. “Throughout his business and government career, Mike Duggan has proven he can bring people together to work toward common goals. Voters across Michigan are tired of the political infighting; they are clamoring for results-driven leadership, which is exactly what Mike has brought to every leadership position he’s held.”

Under Duggan’s effective leadership, Detroit has experienced remarkable revitalization and has become a national model for urban turnaround. His focus on fiscal stability, economic development, and efficient, civil, and inclusive government has created a more favorable environment for businesses to invest in and for residents to thrive. For the first time in decades, Detroit’s population is growing, thanks to Duggan’s leadership, which is the metric he asked voters to hold him accountable to when he was first elected.

“Mayor Duggan’s tenure in Detroit has been a case study in effective, consistent leadership,” said Honigman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Foltyn, Chairman of the Chamber PAC. “He has demonstrated a unique ability to bring stakeholders together to solve generational challenges. The business community has full confidence that he will bring that same steady hand and relentless focus on results to Lansing, creating the stable, pro-growth environment Michigan needs to compete on a global scale.”

The Chamber PAC was the first business organization to endorse Duggan during his write-in campaign for Detroit Mayor in 2013 and supported him in his two successful runs for re-election. PAC members are confident that Duggan will apply the same data-driven, results-oriented leadership that was successful in Detroit to the entire state. His leadership will be instrumental in fostering a more competitive business climate, strengthening infrastructure, improving educational outcomes, and building a more prosperous future for all Michiganders.

The race to follow Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is populated by many good and long-time friends of the Chamber. In a calmer political and public environment, the Chamber PAC would likely have delayed this announcement and selected between a strong Democrat or Republican. Today’s times demand leadership organizations, like the Detroit Regional Chamber, step outside conventional thinking and think boldly about how best to propel Michigan toward its real potential. The Chamber takes pride in its reputation as a bipartisan business organization, and the decision made by the Chamber PAC is a testament to that.

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