Detroit mayoral race mike duggan biography

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"And with that, I think this will conclude my last press conference."

Decisive victories

Duggan won decisive victories in each of his mayoral elections and leaves office with much praise from voters, according to polls. The longtime Democrat was referring to his run for governor next year as an independent.

Looking back on his three terms in office, the last of which draws to a close in a matter of days, Duggan told the luncheon crowd he changed the tone of city politics from "us versus them" to one of more cooperation.

"Oh, I just think the one thing is, this last mayoral election, there was no us versus them, no Black versus White, no city versus suburbs," he said.

An analysis of Duggan's State of the City addresses shows his priorities evolved over his 12 years in office, from simply restoring basic city services, such as streetlights, and addressing blight, to generating more jobs with the opening of the city's first auto plant in decades, to encouraging entrepreneurs.

But as much as his supporters say he made a significant difference in the city, his critics haven't gone away.

Census estimates released in May show the city added nearly 6,800 residents last year and another 5,700 between 2021 and 2023. Naturally, boosting public safety is among Craig's top stated priorities, but others include: investing in schools and neighborhoods, boosting economic opportunities and building out small businesses.

Todd Perkins

Although multiple candidates promise to invest in neighborhoods, Detroit attorney Todd Perkins has declared himself the "neighborhood mayor" at his campaign launch.

Look at the numbers about major crimes. The volume of endorsements, more than a year ahead of the gubernatorial election, is a strong indicator of what Michiganders are looking for in their next governor.

Polling shows Mike Duggan is pulling equally from Republicans and Democrats.

Last month, Duggan’s Independent campaign set another record—outraising every candidate in the 2026 race for governor, raising $3.2 million in just over six months with 93% of all contributions coming from Michigan donors.

He said further Census revisions due to the city's legal challenge could add up to 20,000 more residents to the city's population count.

Addressing blight

Addressing blight, meanwhile, was a priority throughout Duggan's three terms.

At a Monday press conference, Duggan touted the reduction of abandoned houses owned by the city's Land Bank from 47,000 in 2014 to 942, with only 240 left to be razed.

They met with families. An October poll by The News and WDIV-TV Local 4 gave him an 84% approval rating.

In his 12 years in office, Duggan helped oversee a massive campaign to demolish nearly 50,000 blighted, empty homes, restore public services, lure several major employers, and steady the city's finances. The group contended the facility was responsible for emanating "fugitive dust" in the community.

The city had been involved in litigation with the company for years.

Barlow said he aims to boost businesses by providing small businesses tax incentives, and establishing a growth business fund to provide them with low-interest loans and grants.

Barlow also said he expects to launch workforce development programs for advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle and technology industries; subsidized transit for workers; expand affordable and mixed-income housing; launch a zero or low-interest loan program for residents and provide financial literacy on homeownership; and prevent homelessness.

DaNetta Simpson

The three-time mayoral candidate grew up on the city's east side and ran her campaign on improving Detroit's water infrastructure in an effort to prevent flooding from heavy rainfall and ensuring lower water bills, along with reducing crime and gun violence and developing neighborhoods.

Simpson is from a family of prominent leaders, whose uncle is Elijah Muhammad, the former leader of the Nation of Islam.

Perkins graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and spent his career pursuing civil and criminal litigation, along with helping lead the 2021 ballot initiative to create a Detroit Reparations Task Force.

As mayor, Perkins said he expects to improve public safety, mass transit, create more housing, and grow employment in an effort to boost economic activity and spur population growth.

Duggan contends the number is still too low. His track record speaks for itself.”

This marks the largest wave of support for any gubernatorial candidate to date in the 2026 race and signals growing enthusiasm for Duggan’s vision of ending the toxic partisanship in Lansing and getting things done for Michigan. 

“The political games being played in our state are delaying essential work like passing a school budget, and students across Michigan are the ones who suffer,” said Porsche Laster, President of the Romulus School Board.

Them" politics, a narrative in which people claim the city's focus is on downtown versus the neighborhoods.

He went to Detroit Public Schools, including the Detroit School of Arts. “I’m honored by this incredible wave of endorsements and am excited by the momentum our campaign is building.

He also said he plans to salvage structures instead of demolishing them, and provide jobs to Detroiters to renovate homes, along with conducting a forensic audit of city hall operations to ensure more transparency and accountability.

Joel Haashiim

The former businessman said he has a long list of priorities he aims to tackle if elected mayor.

He achieved that goal.

U.S. "They showed up at funerals, peace rallies. I’m proud to endorse Mike Duggan as Michigan’s next governor.”

This historic show of support is the latest evidence that Duggan’s message is resonating with Michiganders who are ready for a governor who leads with common sense, results and an unwavering focus on solving problems.

“It’s time for Michigan to have leaders who work for everyone, not just their party’s agenda,” said Mark Northrup, Mayor of Hudsonville.

And Duggan's administration helped set up a swap for around 75 homeowners who agreed to give up the Delray properties for fully renovated homes owned by the city's land bank.

"It had its problems," Sagovac said of the home swap group. On Sunday, Duggan attended the completion of the demolition of the building at the intersection of Grand River and Greenfield.

"We've seen infrastructure improvements from tree trimming, sidewalk replacement, road repairs," and a community garden, said Perdue, whose organization represents about 300 homes on the city's northwest side.

Mainly, he credits Duggan for ensuring the city's Department of Neighborhoods is responsive.

"You know, it's complex at times working with the city, but I can say they did at least respond," Perdue said.

But not everyone is as glowing in their reviews of Duggan.

Russ Bellant, co-founder of Detroiters for Property Tax Justice, has long battled Duggan's policies on various property tax issues.

Craig flexes his relationship with the White House and President Donald Trump as an asset to help draw federal money to the city.