Updates About Governor

Former Senator Curtis Hertel has announced his candidacy for Michigan Democratic Party chair with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s endorsement. Hertel, who recently lost a tight congressional race to Republican Tom Barrett, emphasized his commitment to strengthening the party. Hertel has also received vocal support from several Democratic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.

The Michigan Democratic Party will elect its next chair at their February convention, following the decision by current chair Lavora Barnes not to seek re-election. Hertel’s experience, including his track record of supporting bipartisan legislation and his hand in securing the state’s 2022 Democratic trifecta are strong points to consider.

Detroit-based activist Al “BJ” Williams is also vying for the position.

The Michigan Senate broke records during lame duck with a 29-hour session that ran from 10 a.m. Thursday to 3:01 p.m. Friday, passing over 90 bills before adjourning. Senate Democrats prioritized salvaging as much legislation as possible after House Democrats were unable to maintain a quorum due to a missing Democratic member and a Republican walkout. While most bills were passed in their original form and are now headed to the Governor’s desk, some were amended and sent back to the House, where they are unlikely to advance unless the House reconvenes earlier than December 31.

¶Key Bills Passed by the Senate:

• Requirement for Michigan schools to supply information to parents on firearm storage rules each year
• Allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives and to require coverage of pharmacist-prescribed birth control methods
• Maternal Health bills designed to address the state’s high maternal mortality rates
• Lifting medical benefit plan caps to raise the amount public employers can contribute towards staff healthcare plans
• Prohibiting law enforcement from selling firearms obtained in gun buyback programs and requiring firearms obtained through buyback programs to be destroyed
• School Safety and Mental Health bill package intended to standardize school safety requirements

Mike Duggan, the current Mayor for Detroit, has officially declared his candidacy for Michigan governor. He surprised Michiganders by sharing that he’s running as an independent rather than with his current affiliation as a Democrat. In his campaign announcement, Duggan emphasized his goal to move beyond partisanship, stating his intent to represent all people in our Great Lakes state. Having served three terms as mayor, Duggan highlighted his achievements in Detroit and expressed a vision to bring similar transformative changes statewide, particularly in education and economic retention of young talent.

Duggan’s run marks a significant moment in Michigan politics, as the state has not elected a non-major-party governor since 1842. His campaign launch follows speculation earlier this year about his political future after he announced he would not be seeking reelection as mayor. The gubernatorial field for 2026 remains open, with potential Republican and Democratic candidates yet to formally declare their intentions.