(WWJ) A new poll shows Detroit Mayor's Mike Duggan is having an early impact on next year's race for governor of Michigan.
The poll, conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications and sponsored by Michigan Information & Research Service, has Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leading the Democratic field and Congressman John James as the leading Republican candidate. Between those three, James leads by 6 points. Of the 616 likely voters, 37 percent prefer James, 31 percent support Benson, 18 percent are backing Duggan, while 14 percent are unsure.
Benson is leading Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson among Democratic candidates while James is polling ahead of former Attorney General Mike Cox in the Republican field. Both Benson and James are leading the group of candidates for their respective parties by at least a 36 point margin.
Duggan is pulling more support from Democrats than Republicans; with 16 percent of his support coming from Democrats, compared to 10 percent of Republicans supporting him.
Of those who responded, 36 percent say the economy or inflation was the single most important issue facing the state of Michigan right now and would have the biggest impact on who they vote for.
Another 16 percent said “threats to Democracy,” while 10 percent said crime or policing, 10 percent said healthcare, 6 percent said climate change or the environment, 6 percent said abortion, and 5 percent said roads or traffic are their biggest concerns.