News Summary
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan commended Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her collaboration with federal authorities, which has been key in saving thousands of jobs in Michigan. He noted her recent visit to the White House was vital in preventing job losses at a local Air Force base. Duggan reported a decrease in violent crime rates attributed to partnerships with federal agencies. As a Democrat transitioning to an independent candidate for governor, Duggan aims to provide alternative perspectives and address the state’s political challenges.
Detroit – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s collaborative approach with federal authorities, claiming it has been instrumental in saving jobs in the state. During a recent CNN interview, Duggan articulated that Whitmer’s visit to the White House helped avert job losses at a Macomb County Air Force base, saving approximately 5,000 jobs. He believes that her non-confrontational attitude toward President Donald Trump has set the right tone for governance.
In addition to discussing job retention, Duggan refrained from attributing Whitmer’s efforts to the absence of Detroit on Trump’s list of cities targeted for increased law enforcement attention. Despite facing potential threats, Duggan emphasized that Detroit has a longstanding history of collaboration with federal law enforcement across various administrations. He also asserted that Detroit should not be classified as a “sanctuary city,” describing it as lacking the controversies faced by other metropolitan areas.
Moreover, Duggan reported a decrease in violent crime rates, particularly homicides and carjackings, benefiting from partnerships with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Justice Department. He endorsed the Trump administration’s collaboration as a beneficial factor in reducing violence within the city and expressed hope that other cities would consider a similar model for partnership.
Duggan’s comments come amid a national dialogue regarding the deployment of federal troops to various U.S. cities. While facing criticism for his administration’s potential actions in cities like Chicago and the recent troop deployments to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Duggan remains focused on local crime initiatives. His remarks reflect a growing concern among city leaders, such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who has vocally opposed federal intervention in urban policing matters.
In a notable political development, Duggan, a lifelong Democrat, announced his intention to run for governor of Michigan as an independent candidate. His decision to exit the Democratic Party marks a significant shift in his political affiliation, making him the first announced contestant in the 2026 gubernatorial race set to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Choosing not to seek a fourth term as mayor of Detroit, Duggan cited a belief that he had effectively met his objectives during his tenure, which included navigating the city through its bankruptcy period. Under his leadership, he successfully won reelection in 2021 with an impressive 76 percent of the vote. However, he has encountered challenges within his party, especially regarding his support for increased police funding amidst a national movement advocating for police reform and defunding efforts.
In light of the current political environment, which he believes has left many voters disillusioned with both major parties, Duggan aims to provide an alternative for Michigan residents. He hopes to introduce new perspectives into state governance and plans to engage in significant discussions addressing the state’s challenging political climate.
As the political landscape evolves, Duggan’s unique position as a former mayor transitioning to an independent gubernatorial candidate could signal a shift in Michigan’s political future. His track record and collaborative approach may appeal to voters seeking effective governance beyond party lines.
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Additional Resources
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Mike Duggan
- New York Times
- Google Search: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
- Detroit News
- Google Scholar: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
- Politico
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google News: Detroit Mayor
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
