Black faith leaders break from Democrats to endorse Duggan for governor

Pastors with some of the largest congregations in the area gave a surprising endorsement to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, an independent candidate for governor.

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony introduces Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan among other pastors at Straight Gate International Church on Grand River. Photo: Samuel Robinson.

A number of pastors who have supported Democrats in past elections are breaking with the party to endorse Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan for Michigan governor.

The mayor’s gubernatorial campaign held the endorsement event Monday inside Straight Gate International Church on Grand River, hosted by Bishop Andrew Merritt.

More than 150 pastors and clergy leaders from congregations across Michigan announced their endorsement of Mike Duggan, running as an independent to be Michigan’s next governor.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited after 2026.

Democratic candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

One longtime Democrat who endorsed Duggan Monday was Bishop Charles H. Ellis III of Greater Grace Temple. Ellis told me he had met with Benson about six weeks before endorsing Duggan, and was surprised Gilchrist hadn’t reached out to ask for his endorsement.

“Both of them know me well,” he said. “It is what it is, but I’m honored people think I have that kind of influence.”

“After the last election, the game has changed,” Ellis told me Monday. “There are no more ‘You gotta do this, you got to do that, you just have to resonate with people.”

Ellis and the rest of the faith leaders Monday echoed the feeling that the city is headed in the right direction under Duggan and that they want to see what’s happened the last decade here across the rest of the state.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Duggan told me after the event on Monday. “People are ready for change. For anybody who thought this wasn’t going to be a major campaign, there’s no illusion.”