🔵 Benson: 39% 🔴 James: 36% ⚪️ Duggan: 20%

[demmiblue]

Michigan - Governor Polling:

🔵 Benson: 39%
🔴 James: 36%
⚪️ Duggan: 20%

Impact Research / Feb 16, 2026

— Polling USA (@usapolling.bsky.social) 2026-02-19T22:26:21.597Z

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

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

The poll surveyed 800 likely 2026 voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The numbers mark a shift from earlier polling this year.

https://www.metrotimes.com/news/new-poll-shows-benson-pulling-ahead-as-duggan-slips-despite-big-spending/#:~:text=Share%20this:,late%202025%2C%20despite%20heavy%20spending.

Duggan pisses me off to no end. 🤬

[Chasstev365]

1. Come On Benson!

[JBTaurus83]

2. Good!

I lived in Detroit and I do believe Duggan was a good mayor, but, I’m disgusted that he would run and throw this race to a Republican.

[MichMan]

3. Since term limits were enacted, our state has shown a proclivity to change parties every 8 years

Engler
Granholm
Snyder
Whitmer

Will the trend be ended this time?

[multigraincracker]

4. Have send her a check.

Michigan can be crazy. dems nominated Jesse Jackson and then the next time George Wallace and never voted for Regan.
Like I said, it’s time to send her a check.

[Johnny2X2X]

5. Duggan is the only thing that could hand the state to the GOP

I've seen other polls that are much closer, and even have Duggan ahead. If he dropped out, Benson would win by over 20 points.