Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, running as an independent, has raised more than any other candidate running for Michigan governor in 2026.
The Detroit mayor surprised everyone last December when he announced he would run for governor with a twist — he abandoned the Democratic Party. His political rivals have speculated whether Duggan left the party because of his values, or because he felt he couldn’t defeat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic primary election next year in August.
His decision to leave the Democratic Party hasn’t hurt his ability to raise money for his campaign. He leads all candidates, raising $3.2 million since announcing his bid last winter.
“Michiganders are not willing to fund politics as usual. Night after night, I’ve attended fundraisers packed with supporters who are ignoring conventional wisdom,” Duggan said in a statement. “I’ve met huge numbers of generous Michiganders who are fed up with the way Lansing’s toxic politics are damaging our public school system, our economic climate, and even our basic civility to each other. I can’t thank each and every one of them enough for their support for a new approach.”
A Metro Times report pointed to a number of donors with ties to conservative causes. Among them are a billionaire megadonor to Trump, former leaders of the Michigan Republican Party, and an aide to former Gov. Rick Snyder who was charged for his role in the Flint water crisis.
Grassroots Republican leaders are warning their base that Duggan’s independent campaign could split party donors, according to a report from the conservative online news website, The Midwesterner.
He also received $2,500 from former Democratic candidate for president Andrew Yang, who is also Independent.
Benson led the pack of Democratic candidates, raising $3.53 million, campaign finance records show. At least $592,000 of that total came from Benson’s secretary of state campaign fund, meaning Duggan raised more from direct contributions in the most recent reporting period that ended July 20.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt narrowly beat out U.S. Rep. John James. Nesbitt reported $2.29 million, and James reporting $2.27 million. Both candidates transferred funds from their current offices. James’ total includes $750,000 from his congressional campaign account, while Nesbitt’s include $363,000 from Senate and leadership campaign committees.
“Today’s fundraising reports make clear that Jocelyn Benson is the strongest candidate to win the Democratic primary for Governor and take on any candidate — Republican or Independent — in November 2026. I’m proud this campaign is fueled by the people – over 27,000 individuals from every one of Michigan’s 83 counties – who believe in Jocelyn’s vision for making Michigan a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive – not by wealthy corporate executives and special interest groups. We enter this next phase of the election cycle with more funds raised and more cash on hand than any other candidate for governor. And we are just getting warmed up.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced that he raised more than $750,000 since launching his campaign in March. Gilchrist has $312,000 cash on hand.
“I am honored to have the support and confidence from people across Michigan. Too many Michiganders are tired of feeling like they are running in place while their costs outrun their paychecks. They want leaders who can deliver results by showing up, fighting for them, and taking on big problems and the people who created them. We know something better is possible and worth fighting for. We can build upon our foundation to make Michigan a place everyone can afford to stay and succeed and access their dream of health and wealth. Together, we will deliver opportunities for working people in every corner of both peninsulas. Thank you for believing in a future big enough to include everyone.”
The other Democrat vying for their party’s nomination next year is Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Swanson reported $1.06 million in contributions, with $468,000 in his war chest. More than $180,000 came from his campaign fund when he ran for sheriff.
“I want to thank all of my donors and supporters for believing in our mission to protect, serve and unify the state of Michigan,” Swanson said in a statement. “Over the last 165 days, I’ve met with people across the state and talked about their hope for the future and their hunger for optimistic leadership. The amazing support our campaign has received from small business owners, community leaders, educators, health care workers and so many more has reinforced my belief that together, we can build a better future for everyone here in Michigan. This is what I have done as sheriff, and is what I will do as your next governor.”
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