Poll: Duggan Gains Ground Among Detroit Voters in Governor's Race -- Benson and James Slip

Mike Duggan, Jocelyn Benson, John James

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an Independent for governor, has gained ground among Detroit voters since February, compared to Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James, whose support has slipped, according to the latest poll by Target Insyght of Lansing.

Specifically, the poll shows Duggan's support increased from 41 percent in February to 48 percent, compared to Secretary of State Benson, who saw a slight drop from 36 percent to 32 percent. Congressman James dropped from 10 percent to 3 percent. The number of undecided voters rose from 13 percent to 17 percent.

“Democrats or Independent Mike Duggan will find it hard to win the governor’s race without a significant victory in Detroit,” said pollster Ed Sarpolus, executive director of Target Insyght. “Duggan’s activities in Detroit since February have given him a bounce.”

Since February, Duggan has received the endorsement of a number of Black clergy in the city.

Sarpolus noted that James is not as dependent on the Detroit vote for victory as Duggan and Benson.

“Obviously, his numbers in Detroit will not reflect what he’s going to do statewide,” Sarpolus said. “But if his statewide numbers are like they are in Detroit, Republicans have no chance of winning.”

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. 

The poll of 400 voters was conducted between May 4–7. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. The polls did not include other Democratic or Republican candidates for governor.

“Democrat Jocelyn Benson must take these numbers into consideration,” Sarpolus said. “Next year, while battling fellow Democrats in the primary, Duggan—who is unopposed in the primary—can continue, if successful, to increase his numbers against Benson prior to the general election.”

In a breakdown of voters, the poll found:

Females

• Duggan: 46 percent
• Benson: 34 percent
• James: 2 percent
• Undecided: 18 percent

Males

• Duggan: 51 percent
• Benson: 28 percent
• James: 6 percent
• Undecided: 16 percent

Age Group 18-60

• Duggan: 59 percent
• Benson: 28 percent
• James: Less than 1 percent 
• Undecided: 13 percent 

Age group 61+

• Duggan: 38 percent
• Benson: 35 percent
• James: 7 percent James.
• Undecided: 21 percent 

Black voters

• Duggan: 52 percent
• Benson: 28 percent
• James: 1 percent
• Undecided: 19 percent

White voters:

• Benson: 44 percent
• Duggan: 31 percent
• James: 11 percent
• Undecided: 13 percent