Michigan’s race for governor is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched elections in the country this year.

And while most people focus on the top contenders—Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James—the entry of former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, now running as an Independent, deserves a closer look.

That’s because, as The ’Gander’s Kyle Kaminski explains today, Duggan’s presence in the race could scramble the math in a big way.

Plus: In an exclusive interview, US Senate candidate for Michigan Mallory McMorrow tells The ’Gander how she’s fighting alongside Michigan parents to create guardrails that prevent Big Tech companies from profiting off of kids’ online data.

Michigan State Board of Education rejects effort to restrict gender identity lessons (Chalkbeat Detroit): Democrats on the state’s Board of Education blocked a Republican proposal that aimed to end the teaching of gender identity in schools. GOP members argued the guidance may violate federal law, while the board’s Democratic majority said the proposal was an effort to politicize education and spread misinformation.

SE Michigan county adopts MAGA talking points for health policy (Bridge Michigan): St. Clair County is at the center of a heated public health debate as its medical director pushes policies questioning fluoride, vaccines, and school-based health services. County medical director Dr. Remington Nevin asserts the policies align with the community’s values.

Federal aid for ice storm approved (9&10 News): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with Donald Trump at the White House this week to discuss disaster recovery and key infrastructure projects. During the meeting, Trump approved federal aid to help northern Michigan communities recover from a historic 2025 ice storm.

(The ‘Gander TikTok)

New polling shows former Detroit mayor Mike Duggan is emerging as a real contender in Michigan’s race for governor, and that should get your attention.

Here’s the deal: Duggan is running as an Independent. He left the Democratic Party in late 2024, pitching himself as the type of candidate who’s above the partisan fray. That’s the brand. But the receipts tell a different story. We covered Duggan’s donor list once before, and we’re revisiting it now that he’s polling as a legitimate contender because the people bankrolling his campaign include some of the same Republican mega donors who helped elect Donald Trump.

Now, let’s talk about the math. Recent polling has Republican John James at 34%, Democrat Jocelyn Benson at 32%, and Duggan at 26% in a three-way race. Take Duggan out, and the same analysis shows Benson at 47%, and James at 45%. Benson wins. With Duggan in, James wins.

So what? Well, Duggan is gonna keep telling you that he’s different, that he’s not partisan, that he delivers for working people. Some of that may even be true. But the question isn’t whether Duggan was a good mayor. The question is, what his presence in this race actually does. And the answer, according to every credible analysis out there right now, is that it makes it significantly easier for a Republican to become Michigan’s next governor. His donors know that. The polling shows that. And now you know it, too.

Get the full story from political correspondent Kyle Kaminski in this edition of “so what, Michigan?“

(Courtesy/Sen. Mallory McMorrow)

By Lucas Henkel

As Big Tech companies continue to rake in millions of dollars while resisting safeguards that would limit harmful and addictive content for kids, Michigan lawmakers are taking a stand.

Among them is state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). Her plan calls for, among other things, ending incentives to harvest kids’ data, removing addictive features like “infinite scroll” for users under age 14, and banning chatbots that represent themselves as licensed professionals. 

In a recent interview with ‘Gander reporter Lucas Henkel, Sen. McMorrow discussed how Michigan parents have helped her create a plan to keep kids safe as President Trump and his administration continue to align themselves with Big Tech companies. 

By Abby Deatrick

Welcome to your weekly roundup of Michigan political events, protests, rallies, advocacy opportunities, and ways to take action statewide.

📅 Friday (March 13)

Indivisible Downriver United 734: Visibility Bridge Brigade, (Lincoln Park, 4-6 p.m.) — A rally for democracy and against ICE.

Red Wine & Blue: Team Civics: Grand Rapids SE March Meeting, (Grand Rapids, 6:30-8 p.m.) — Connect with others looking to “do something about the current administration” to share ideas, implement actions, and provide support to each other. 

📅 Saturday (March 14)

Youth Indivisible: Prosecute the Perpetrators, (South Haven, 12-1:30 p.m.) — A protest demanding accountability in response to the lack of prosecution of crimes involving the abuse of children.

Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids: No Kings 3 Sign Making Social, (Grand Rapids, 1-3 p.m.) — Make “No Kings” protest signs ahead of the National Day of Action on March 28. Cardboard signs and some paint will be provided.

📅 Sunday (March 15)

Anti-Fascist Organizing Coalition: No More Wars at Home or Abroad!, (Detroit, 12 p.m.) — A rally calling for an end to wars in Iran, Gaza, Venezuela, and ICE involvement in communities.

Indivisible Downriver United 734: 287(g) Prevention Training, (Trenton, 1-3 p.m.) — A training on how to get involved locally to prevent your local police from acting as ICE agents. The training will review what the 287(g) agreements are and their impacts on the community.

📅 Monday (March 16)

Indivisible Metro Detroit: No Kings Sign-Making Party!, (Huntington Woods, 5-8 p.m.) — Make “No Kings” protest signs ahead of the National Day of Action on March 28. Materials will be provided.

For Our Future Michigan: MI Legislature 101: Structure, Strategy, and State Spending, (Virtual, 2-3 p.m.) — A session on Michigan’s FY 2027 budget process and how advocates can analyze state funding decisions and their impact on local communities.

📅 Tuesday (March 17)

Equality Michigan: Phone Bank for Equality, (Traverse City, 5:30-7 p.m.) — Receive training before contacting voters in Michigan to identify and mobilize those in support of equality and inclusion.

Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids: Show Me the Public Money, (Grand Rapids, 7-8 p.m.) — A town hall discussing who benefits from Grand Rapids’ development spending and how residents can influence priorities ahead of the 2026 City Commission elections.

📅 Wednesday (March 18)

Moms Demand Action, End Gun Violence Michigan, and the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan: End Gun Violence Michigan Coalition Advocacy Day, (Lansing, 8:30 a.m.) — Join activists across Michigan at the State Capitol to meet with legislators to support gun violence prevention.

For Our Future Michigan: Capitol Advocacy & Accountability Trip, (Lansing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) — Join activists across Michigan at the State Capitol to meet with legislators, attend sessions and committee hearings, and discuss key issues affecting families and communities.

📣 Have an event to add? Email Abigail Deatrick, The ’Gander’s state organizing coordinator, with details. Please send submissions at least one week before the event.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Kyle Kaminski, Lucas Henkel, and Abby Deatrick. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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