Swing state governor’s race gets curveball as top Dem runs independent, sparking calls for Buttigieg to enter

As the 2024 gubernatorial race in Michigan heats up, Democrats are faced with a surprising twist as three-term Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has announced his bid as an independent candidate. This unexpected move has left many on the left searching for an alternative standard-bearer, as they hope to retain the governor’s seat in this crucial swing state.

In his campaign launch video, Duggan highlighted his track record of building relationships across party lines and bringing positive change to Detroit. He emphasized his goal of offering voters a choice outside of the traditional party system, stating that he wants to see if he can change the divisive nature of politics.

However, Duggan’s decision to run as an independent has stirred controversy within the Democratic Party. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, another potential contender for the governorship, criticized Duggan for abandoning the party rather than working to fix it from within.

In response to Duggan’s independent bid, Democrats have reportedly turned to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as a potential candidate. Buttigieg, a prominent Indiana native who recently moved to Michigan with his husband, has been contacted by several Michigan Democrats about entering the race. However, some have raised concerns about Buttigieg’s ability to connect with Michiganders, as illustrated by a recent event where a man asked about the Detroit Lions instead of Buttigieg’s home-state Colts.

On the Republican side, the race appears wide open, with names like businessman Perry Johnson and businessman Kevin Rinke being floated as potential candidates. The electoral uncertainty in Michigan is further complicated by the state’s split results in the 2024 election, where voters chose both Republican President-elect Trump and Democratic Sen.-elect Elissa Slotkin.

As the political landscape in Michigan continues to evolve, all eyes are on the upcoming gubernatorial race and the potential contenders from both parties. With Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited and a wide field of candidates vying for the governor’s seat, the 2024 election in Michigan is shaping up to be a closely watched and hotly contested race.

This article was rewritten and adapted for a WordPress platform, integrating key points from the original source while providing a fresh perspective on the unfolding political dynamics in Michigan.