Lansing, Michigan — In an exclusive Epic/MRA poll, Michigan residents express their opinions on a hypothetical Governor’s race.
Among those polled, 31% would hypothetically vote for Republican candidate Dick DeVos, 31% for Democrat candidate Jocelyn Benson, and 23% for Independent candidate Mike Duggan. Both Benson and Duggan have announced their campaigns, but DeVos has not.
This is a hypothetical race, as other candidates in both parties may receive nominations, including Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt for the Republican nomination, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson for the Democratic nomination, former Attorney General Mike Cox, and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
Voters will choose the candidates in August 2026. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be unable to run for reelection because she has reached the two-term limit.
DeVos was the Republican candidate for Governor in 2006 and now serves on the board of the West Michigan Policy Forum.
Benson currently serves as Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. She was the Dean of Wayne State University Law School from 2012 to 2016.
Duggan is currently serving as Detroit’s 75th Mayor. Prior to his election in 2014, he was Wayne County Prosector from 2001 until 2004.
