Top Republican Takes The Lead
Michigan’s political landscape just shifted in a major way — and Republicans across the state are taking notice.
A brand-new EPIC-MRA poll shows Rep. John James pulling into the lead in the three-way fight to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2026. The results confirm what many conservatives have hoped for: Michigan may finally be drifting back toward common-sense leadership after years of Democrat control.
John James Takes the Lead — And Democrats Are Nervous
According to the poll:
- John James (R): 34%
- Jocelyn Benson (D): 33%
- Mike Duggan (Independent): 20%
James, a decorated Army veteran and one of Congress’s most dynamic Black conservative leaders, is climbing fast. After narrowly losing high-profile Senate races in 2018 and 2020, he now appears positioned to break through in a state Republicans must win.
For conservatives age 50 and up — voters who consistently drive Michigan elections — James’s message of fiscal responsibility, law-and-order leadership, and restoring accountability in Lansing continues to resonate.
Benson’s Weak Showing Raises Red Flags for Democrats
Jocelyn Benson, long seen as the Democrats’ top contender, is effectively tied with James — a disappointing sign for a candidate with statewide name recognition and the backing of Michigan’s Democrat establishment.
Instead of a comfortable lead, Benson enters the race struggling to unite her base, while independents appear far more willing to give Republicans a fresh look in 2026.
Duggan’s Independent Run Falls Flat — And May Hurt Democrats Most
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s third-place numbers stunned political observers. Democrats originally believed Duggan would siphon moderate voters away from Republicans. Instead, the poll suggests the opposite: Duggan’s support is primarily splitting the left, giving James more room to grow.
Veteran Michigan analyst Bill Ballenger noted that Duggan’s impact so far has been “far more limited” than Democrats hoped — and the early warning signs for their party are getting harder to ignore.
Michigan’s Open Governor’s Seat Could Reshape America’s Political Map
With Whitmer leaving office next year, Michigan becomes one of the most consequential battlegrounds in the country. The next governor will influence:
- National election outcomes
- Statewide economic policy
- Education and parental rights
- Crime, policing, and border security cooperation
For Republicans, James offers a rare blend of national fundraising potential and grassroots enthusiasm — especially among Trump-aligned voters who transformed Michigan politics in 2016 and remain a powerful force today.
A Perfect Storm for a Major GOP Comeback
The numbers indicate a political climate that favors conservative policies:
- Voters 50+ express growing dissatisfaction with Democrat economic management
- Crime and public safety remain top concerns statewide
- Inflation continues to hit seniors and middle-class families hardest
- Independent voters are shifting right after years of overreach from Lansing
James stands to benefit from every one of these trends.
What Happens Next? Key Questions to Watch
As Michigan enters a defining election cycle, several major questions loom:
- Can John James maintain and expand his lead heading into the GOP primary?
- Will Democrats rally behind Benson — or fracture even more as Duggan pushes forward?
- Could Michigan’s independent voters finally tip a statewide race toward a Republican again?
One thing is certain: A race that Democrats once assumed would be an easy hold is now shaping up to be one of America’s most competitive and closely watched contests.
And for conservatives, the momentum is finally moving in the right direction.
