DETROIT – July 17, 2025 – Sixteen months before Michigan’s gubernatorial election, the Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee has endorsed Mike Duggan, an Independent for governor. The historic and early endorsement speaks volumes about the strong desire for change, the unprecedented coalition of business leaders, labor leaders and faith leaders that Duggan is building, and why his leadership is exactly what Michigan needs to end the toxic partisanship that is threatening the state’s future. The Chamber is the largest business organization in the state of Michigan and joins eight unions that have already endorsed Duggan’s Independent candidacy. 

In their Thursday release, Chamber President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah said, “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. 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.”

Detroit is experiencing a historic resurgence, recording its first population growth in 60 years. In 2024, the city gained nearly 6,800 residents, surpassing Portland to become the 26th largest city in the U.S.

The Chamber’s vocal support of Duggan comes on the heels of endorsements from labor unions representing more than 25,000 working men and women across Michigan and 160 pastors and faith leaders. 

“This is a campaign where you don’t have to choose between business or labor. All you have to choose is progress,” said Mike Duggan, Independent for governor. “In the coming months, we are going to build a coalition like none other. Detroit’s business community, in partnership with neighborhood and civic leaders, has played a key role in Detroit’s resurgence. Together, we broke the barriers that divided us and held Detroit back for far too long and delivered for the people of Detroit. I could not be more grateful for this early endorsement.” 

Duggan is running as an Independent to end the toxic partisanship and deliver practical, proven leadership focused on jobs, education, infrastructure and public safety for every community in Michigan. 

To learn more or get involved, visit mikeduggan.com.