50+ mayors, township supervisors and village presidents, 100+ city council members and trustees, 25+ school board members and more unite behind Duggan’s vision for Michigan

DETROIT, August 19, 2025 – More than 200 sitting and former elected officials from across Michigan—including over 50 mayors and township supervisors, more than 100 city council members and trustees, more than 25 school board leaders, former congressmen, city treasurers and university regents—announced their endorsement of Mike Duggan, Independent for governor. 

The newest coalition of supporters is made up of Republicans, Democrats and Independents that represent communities throughout the state, ranging from Pointe Aux Barques to Milan to Flint to Grand Haven to Lexington. On the surface, their communities could not be more different, but they are all united by the understanding that politics as usual in Lansing is broken and real change is needed.

“The people of Michigan are tired of the dysfunction in Lansing. They want someone who can bring real solutions, not more partisan gridlock,” said Michael Taylor, Mayor of Sterling Heights. “That’s why I’m endorsing Mike Duggan as the state’s first Independent governor. His track record speaks for itself.”

This marks the largest wave of support for any gubernatorial candidate to date in the 2026 race and signals growing enthusiasm for Duggan’s vision of ending the toxic partisanship in Lansing and getting things done for Michigan. 

“The political games being played in our state are delaying essential work like passing a school budget, and students across Michigan are the ones who suffer,” said Porsche Laster, President of the Romulus School Board. “Mike Duggan has already proven what real results look like through the work he’s done in Detroit, and I know he’ll bring that same focus and drive to Lansing and to our schools. He’s a leader who knows how to bring people together, and when leaders collaborate, our children and our communities win. I’m proud to endorse Mike Duggan as Michigan’s next governor.”

This historic show of support is the latest evidence that Duggan’s message is resonating with Michiganders who are ready for a governor who leads with common sense, results and an unwavering focus on solving problems.

“It’s time for Michigan to have leaders who work for everyone, not just their party’s agenda,” said Mark Northrup, Mayor of Hudsonville. “The consequences of partisan gridlock are all around us. Our public schools are underperforming, our roads are riddled with potholes, our economy is stalled and taxpayer money is not being put to best use. We can and must do better for the people of this great state, and I believe Mike Duggan is the leader who will deliver that for Michigan.”

Since launching his Independent campaign, Duggan has drawn support from Republicans, Democrats and Independents coming from every corner of Michigan, with the backing of eight unions representing more than 25,000 members, more than 150 pastors and faith leaders and the Detroit Regional Chamber, the state’s largest chamber of commerce. The volume of endorsements, more than a year ahead of the gubernatorial election, is a strong indicator of what Michiganders are looking for in their next governor.

Polling shows Mike Duggan is pulling equally from Republicans and Democrats.

Last month, Duggan’s Independent campaign set another record—outraising every candidate in the 2026 race for governor, raising $3.2 million in just over six months with 93% of all contributions coming from Michigan donors. The message is clear: people who live in Michigan and have the most stake in the state’s future are demanding a change. 

“Michiganders want a governor whose first priority isn’t protecting their party’s majority. I’m running as an Independent because the only way we can fix our broken education system and create the kind of Michigan where all communities can thrive is by ending the toxic partisanship that’s plaguing Lansing,” said Duggan. “I’m honored by this incredible wave of endorsements and am excited by the momentum our campaign is building. Thank you for your support.”

For more information, please visit mikeduggan.com.