As enthusiasm rises across Michigan, Duggan and James trail Benson 

New polling last week showed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leading the race for governor and gaining strength as voters learn about her story, her record of delivering for Michiganders, and her plan to lower costs across the state. 

Benson is building a strong coalition across the state, leading both James and Duggan with Black voters, voters under 55, college graduates, and those without a college degree. 

In case you missed it… 

Deadline Detroit: New poll shows Benson pulling ahead as Duggan slips despite big spending

[Steve Nealing, 2/19/2026]

A new statewide poll shows Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson opening up a narrow lead in Michigan’s 2026 governor’s race, while independent candidate Mike Duggan is losing ground, even after allies and pro-Trumpers poured seven figures into boosting his campaign.

The survey, conducted Feb. 9-16 by Impact Research, found Benson at 39%, Republican U.S. Rep. John James at 36%, and former Detroit Mayor Duggan at 20%, with 5% undecided

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The new Impact Research poll suggests Duggan’s support has fallen back to 20%, about where he stood in late 2025, despite heavy spending. The memo notes Duggan “has seen no movement despite his allies spending seven-figures on paid communications to boost him, suggesting that he is close to his ceiling for support”

Benson, meanwhile, is consolidating key Democratic constituencies.

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Benson’s job approval as secretary of state stands at 52% positive and 38% negative, with 10% unsure.

The Michigan Chronicle: Internal Polling Shows Benson Leads James, Duggan in Race for Michigan Governor

[Sam Robinson, 2/23/2026]

A recent poll surveying likely voters in the Michigan governor’s race has Democratic candidate for governor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson up over Republican candidate U.S. Rep. John James, with Independent former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan trailing.

The polling, conducted from February 9 to 16 by Impact Research, indicates Benson has a lead in the race for governor based on a survey of 800 likely voters. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Benson has been seen as the Democratic front runner since she announced her bid to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is also running for governor as a Democrat.

Benson leads the field with 39% of the vote, ahead of John James’ 36%, and Mike Duggan’s 20%, with just 5% undecided. Benson’s campaign pointed to the polls showing the state’s election chief is also leading the rest of the field among Black voters, voters under 55 and voters with and without college degrees.

“It’s no surprise Jocelyn Benson is leading the race for governor,” said Benson Campaign Manager Nikki Goldschein. “Michiganders know her track record of making government work for the people and protecting our rights and freedoms. As voters continue to learn about her plans to lower costs and hold corporations accountable, her momentum continues to grow.”  

Newsweek: Jocelyn Benson’s Chances of Beating John James for Michigan Governor: Poll

[Steve Mollman, 2/19/26] 

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, has taken a slight lead over Republican Representative John James in the race for Michigan governor, according to a survey released this week.

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[T]he latest results suggest a significant recent boost for the Democratic contender.

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