Categories: Michigan Breaking NewsMichigan GovernmentMichigan NewsMichigan Politics

Poll Shows Early Lead for Jocelyn Benson in Michigan Governor Race

Crowd at a political rally in Michigan with campaign signs.

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News Summary

A recent Glengariff poll indicates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is leading the Democratic candidates for the 2026 Michigan Governor race with 59.3% support. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. John James leads with 42%. The survey, conducted during the Mackinac Policy Conference, highlights voter preferences and candidate recognition as the election date approaches. Benson also shows strong favorability among determined Democratic voters and has raised nearly $2 million for her campaign, signaling strong support among constituents as the political landscape evolves in Michigan.

Michigan – A recent poll conducted by the Glengariff group reveals that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is leading among Democratic gubernatorial candidates for the 2026 Michigan Governor race, garnering 59.3% support from registered Democratic voters. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. John James has emerged as the favored candidate, securing 42% support from registered voters. This poll was conducted with a sample of 600 registered voters on the first day of the Mackinac Policy Conference, highlighting early trends in a competitive political landscape.

The survey’s findings indicate not only the candidates’ name recognition but also their favorability ratings and potential matchups in the forthcoming gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races. Among determined Democratic voters, Benson’s support rises to 65%, suggesting a solid base as she prepares for the primary election set for August 2026.

Within the Democratic sphere, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is identified as the leading candidate for the U.S. Senate with 34% backing. Benson enjoys a 66% name recognition rate, closely followed by James, who stands at 65%. Meanwhile, Republican Tudor Dixon, although she has not declared her candidacy, boasts the highest name recognition with 70%, having previously lost the gubernatorial race in 2022.

In the favorability ratings, Benson holds a 28% rating, with 16% of voters viewing her unfavorably, while James stands slightly lower at a 26% favorability rating and a 19% unfavorable response. Among Democratic voters, Benson’s name recognition peaks at 74%. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist is recognized by 51% of respondents, and Chris Swanson, a sheriff in Genesee County, has 28% recognition.

The poll also evaluated the independent candidate Mike Duggan, who has significant recognition in metro Detroit at 86%, though his visibility drops to 31% outside that region. Duggan’s favorability spans both strong Democrats (30%) and strong Republicans (24%), indicating a broad appeal across party lines.

When considering a hypothetical three-way race involving Benson, James, and Duggan, Benson leads with 34.5% of the vote, followed closely by James at 34% and Duggan at 21.5%. These figures suggest a competitive environment leading up to the elections, with an increasing focus on voter mobilization and candidate appeal.

Benson has reportedly raised nearly $2 million for her campaign, which places her in a strong financial position as the election nears. Among registered Republican respondents, 57% expressed they would support James in a primary, while 55% of Democrats would back Benson. This indicates robust enthusiasm among party constituents for their respective candidates.

Despite shifts in the political landscape in Michigan, including Duggan’s independent run, Democratic strategies remain focused on winning seats in the elections. The early polling data not only provides insight into candidate viability but also reflects initial voter sentiments that will likely evolve as the campaign progresses.

This poll is an early indicator of the dynamics expected to unfold as Michigan approaches a significant electoral period, emphasizing the importance of understanding voter perceptions and candidate recognition in shaping the race ahead.