New Poll Shows Tight Race in Michigan’s 2026 Gubernatorial Contest
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads early polling at 30% in a three-way gubernatorial race, but most Michigan voters remain undecided.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A new poll shows no clear frontrunner in Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race, with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leading a three-way general election matchup but a plurality of voters remaining undecided.
The poll released Monday by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University found Benson garnering 30% support among decided voters in a hypothetical general election against Republican John James and Independent Mike Duggan. James received 19% support while Duggan captured 16%.
The survey examined a potential general election scenario between the three candidates, though primary elections have yet to occur. Benson faces minimal opposition in the Democratic primary from Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who has consistently trailed in both polling and fundraising.
Republican Primary More Competitive
The Republican primary presents a more challenging situation for James, who faces strong opposition from multiple well-financed competitors seeking the GOP nomination. This division within the party may be impacting James’s standing in early general election polling.
“With no major opposition to her nomination candidacy, Jocelyn Benson’s slight lead is largely reflective of her being more in control of her party’s base,” said Corwin Smidt, interim director of the institute. “On the Republican side, John James is facing some well-financed and active competitors for the nomination.”
Geographic Divide Evident
The polling data reveals distinct geographic patterns in candidate support across Michigan. Duggan’s strength appears concentrated primarily in the Detroit metropolitan area, while his support diminishes significantly in other regions of the state.
“Duggan’s strength is understandably concentrated in the Detroit metropolitan area, but Duggan’s support is much lower outside those counties,” Smidt noted in the poll analysis.
The independent candidate’s decision to run outside the traditional two-party system creates unique dynamics in the race, as he draws support from voters across party lines rather than consolidating within a single partisan base.
The large percentage of undecided voters suggests the race remains highly fluid with significant potential for shifts as the campaign season progresses. Primary elections will likely play a determining role in shaping the final general election matchup and voter preferences.
Benson currently serves as Michigan’s Secretary of State, while James has previously run for statewide office. Duggan serves as Detroit’s mayor and announced his gubernatorial campaign as an independent rather than seeking the Democratic nomination.
