MichMash: Analyzing Michigan’s gubernatorial race ahead of the midterms
Political strategists break down what’s driving Michigan’s race for governor, which candidates are commanding attention and what it could take to win over voters this November.
In this episode
- What makes this gubernatorial race different from previous ones?
- Which candidates are drawing the most attention to their campaigns, and what could they do to win?
- How do sports and politics reflect each other?
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With only a couple of months left until the midterms, Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates are trying to build support in their bids to become the state’s next governor. This week on WDET’s MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss how this race for governor differs from previous ones.
They are joined by Andrea Bitely, founder of the public relations firm Bitely Communications.
The race drawing the most attention in Michigan so far is the U.S. Senate race between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers. As for the gubernatorial race between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Rep. John James, Bitely says it isn’t garnering the same level of attention.
“The gubernatorial race is potentially the most boring gubernatorial race in the history of gubernatorial races.”
Bitely continued by saying that after Mayor Mike Duggan dropped out, the race lost some of its interest for her.
“I think it got a lot more boring on May 21st [2026]. But maybe that’s just the the Duggan campaign staffer in me coming out.”
May 21 was the day Duggan dropped out of the race for governor.
Bitely concluded that to draw more attention to the gubernatorial race and their respective campaigns, the candidates need more rallies and events, along with a resounding message that sticks with voters.
The midterm elections are Nov. 3.
More from WDET:
- MichMash: Abdul El-Sayed makes his case for the Michigan US Senate seat
- MichMash: Live from Lansing
- MichMash: Why Mike Duggan dropped out, plus court ruling could affect funding
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