Updates About People

Two major pieces of election news emerged recently. Independent gubernatorial candidate and former Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, announced he was bowing out of the race Meanwhile, the Board of State Canvassers also determined that Republican gubernatorial candidate Ralph Rebandt and Democratic candidate Kim Thomas, as well as Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernadtee Smith had all failed to meet the valid signature threshold required to remain on the August ballot.

Polls showed that Duggan had failed to gain any upward momentum in recent months, and he professed he no longer saw a path to victory. His independent candidacy had complicated this year’s gubernatorial race and drew heavy criticism from both the Michigan Democratic and Republican parties.

While all three candidates disqualified by the Board of State Canvassers were considered longshot for their respective races, that didn’t stop Rebandt and Thomas from speaking out against the Board’s decision. The Board has also reviewed last minute challenges to the GOP Governor frontrunners John James and Perry Johnson, but both had enough valid signatures.

The 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference will take place Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber, this annual conference offers a way for leaders in state government, business, and various other industries to discuss key issues impacting the state’s economy and public policy. Throughout the week and across the island, attendees can partake in policy discussions, network, attend lawmaker fundraisers, and hear relevant new updates from elected officials and industry leaders.

Because of the conference, the Legislature is not expected to hold session or committee meetings in Lansing that week. Clients interested in attending or learning more are encouraged to explore the full Conference Agenda. Additional details can be found on the Detroit Chamber’s FAQs/Attendee Information page.

Former Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate (Detroit) has announced he will not be seeking reelection to his State House seat in the upcoming election. His upcoming departure adds to the increasing number of 21 total State Representatives that are leaving their current positions.

Tate served as House Speaker during the Democratic trifecta in 2023-2024, when Democrats controlled the State House, Senate, and Governor’s office.

To see the list of departing members Rep. Tate will be joining, see our March 6 newsletter: Nearly 20% of State Representatives Are Relinquishing Their House Seats