The Michigan Governor Race: Who’s Winning the Vote?

In a fresh poll released by Glengariff Group, U. S. Rep John James shows no support from Black voters at all, while former Detroit mayor Mike Duggan leads the pack with 59. 3% of that demographic. The three candidates—James, Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Duggan running as an independent—were compared in a three‑way matchup. James is struggling across several key groups. He trails Duggan among independents, women, metro Detroit residents, young voters and seniors. Even when the race is narrowed to two candidates, Benson beats James, but both lose ground to Duggan. The numbers suggest that Duggan’s appeal is growing in the core counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. Benson and James enjoy similar backing from strong party loyalists (71% for Benson, 70% for James). Duggan is winning almost half of voters who lean Democratic but only a third of those who lean Republican. In practical terms, Duggan is more damaging to Benson than to James.The poll also shows a high demand for compromise. Ninety‑one percent of respondents say they want lawmakers in Washington and Lansing to find middle ground, yet most think those politicians do not. Duggan’s message of cutting through partisan gridlock resonates with voters who feel state politics are stuck. Despite these gains, the pollster cautions that independent supporters may return to their parties by November. Other findings note Trump’s lower approval than Governor Whitmer, Michigan’s self‑perception of its economic standing as average while actually near the bottom, and a surprisingly low awareness of AI data centers among residents. The outcome remains uncertain. Will Duggan’s slight edge hold, or will voters revert to a straight ticket? The question stays open as the election approaches.