Mike Duggan, Detroit mayor and University of Michigan alum, came to the Michigan Union Tuesday afternoon to speak with U-M students about his independent campaign for Michigan governor.

Duggan first ran for mayor of Detroit as a Democrat in November 2013. Since taking office in 2014, he has continuously occupied the position and has presided over a period of urban renewal for the city. In 2024, he dropped his party affiliation and announced his intention to run for governor of Michigan in 2026 as an independent.

Duggan told students he made the decision to run as an independent because he was dissatisfied with hostile relations between the Republican and Democratic parties.

“I’m not trying to tear down the two party system,” Duggan said. “I’m trying to get the Republicans and

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