Detroit — Three-term Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is expected to make an announcement about his political future next Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The longtime Democrat has yet to actively raise money for the 2025 mayoral election, according to campaign finance records, setting off speculation that Duggan would seek a statewide office. Amid this inactivity, at least three current or former Detroit City Council members have formed committees to explore runs for mayor.
In August, when Duggan spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, he was introduced on to the stage as someone who would make “a good governor.” The mayor thanked his host “for teeing off my campaign a little earlier than I expected.”
Two-term Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again because of term limits. Political consultant John Sellek said “many signs point to a Duggan gubernatorial run.”
Duggan’s “brand is being very prepared and two steps ahead of everyone else,” said Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic. “We cannot be surprised if this is at least the first step in an eventual run for governor.”
Campaign finance records show Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins both have raised more than $100,000 for their exploratory committees. Sheffield, who formed her committee last year, has $355,189 for her potential mayoral candidacy, public records show.
Jenkins has raised $119,900 since forming her exploratory committee in late August, according to public records filed with the Wayne County clerk’s office.
Detroit City Council member Fred Durhal III also recently formed an exploratory committee to consider a mayoral run but has yet to report any fundraising activity. An exploratory committee allows prospective candidates to raise money and hire staff for a potential run for political office. Forming a committee usually precedes an official candidacy.
More:Q&A: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on his future and the city’s big issues
During a June interview on Mackinac Island with The Detroit News, Duggan reflected on his legacy while not disclosing his future plans.
“… The thing that I have done is I’ve changed politics in the city,” the mayor said. “Us-vs.-them politics is basically dead. The candidates who try to run on it get clobbered. They get clobbered in City council races, and it certainly wouldn’t succeed in a mayor’s race. And so I certainly hope we see several candidates, whether I’m one of them or not, that are pushing to unite the city as opposed to divide it.”
laguilar@detroitnews.com
