Politics

Detroit mayor launches independent 2026 run for Michigan governor

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Wednesday that he will run for Michigan governor as an independent, breaking from the Democratic Party.

“I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor — I’m running to be your governor,” Duggan, a lifelong Democrat, said in a video announcement.

The three-term mayor is the first to officially enter what is expected to be a crowded 2026 field vying to replace Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited from running again.

Duggan, who is the second-longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, announced last month that he would not seek a fourth mayoral term, telling the Detroit Free Press at the time that he “felt like I did what I set out to do.”

Duggan said in the video that as mayor, he “didn’t fit comfortably inside the dogma of either of the two political parties.” He added that “when the calls mounted to defund the police, I angered some in my own party” by approving increased overtime pay for Detroit Police officers in 2022.

“It’s clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system,” Duggan told The Associated Press in an interview. “And so I want to offer people a choice.”

Duggan entered the mayor’s office in 2013 as Detroit was reeling from bankruptcy, and is widely considered to have succeeded in his efforts to restore the city. He won reelection in 2021 with 76 percent of the vote.

“The political fighting and the nonsense that once held Detroit back is too often what we’re seeing in Michigan today,” Duggan said in the video, adding, “I’m going to see if I can change that by starting a campaign for governor, by having a conversation about whether it’s time for a whole new approach — a governor who’s an independent.”

Politics

Cornyn, Paxton head to runoff in Texas Senate GOP race

Published

1 hour ago

March 4, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton advanced to a runoff in the Senate GOP primary, extending an already-bruising fight into late May that some Republicans worry could hurt their chances of holding onto the seat — and the Senate.

Tuesday night’s result showed some surprising strength for Cornyn, who had trailed Paxton in most public polls and whose allies were worried might finish far behind the MAGA firebrand. And it indicates the four-term senator still has a real chance to retain his seat in late May.

National Republicans widely expected the runoff when Rep. Wesley Hunt, who finished third, jumped into the race last fall. But while Cornyn is still in the battle, saving him will continue to be an expensive endeavor — and one that risks further damaging Paxton, who could still be their nominee.

The senator and his allies already spent more than $100 million to defeat Paxton, highlighting his political and personal baggage, like his recent divorce, accusations of infidelity, ethics complaints and impeachment proceedings.

Paxton brings huge support from the hyper-conservative grassroots – a devoted following derived from his decade serving as Texas’ top lawyer. He has long been closely aligned with President Donald Trump, supporting his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Trump has not yet endorsed in the race.

Democrats believe they have a shot at flipping Texas after decades of falling short, bolstered by a wave of enthusiasm within the party and backlash to the Trump administration over its immigration and economic policies. They’re hoping that the scandal-plagued Paxton emerges victorious from the runoff and gives them a better opening to entice moderate Republicans and independents.

But Cornyn showed Tuesday that he still has some fight left in him.

Politics

Rep. Chip Roy headed to runoff in Texas AG race

Published

1 hour ago

March 4, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

Rep. Chip Roy will advance to a runoff in the race to replace Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

He will face state Sen. Mayes Middleton in late May.

The competitive primary turned into a fealty test to President Donald Trump. Former DOJ attorney Aaron Reitz and Middleton slammed Roy for breaking with Trump in the past and calling for Attorney General Ken Paxton to resign after he faced charges of bribery and abuse, while brandishing their own MAGA bona fides.

Trump made no endorsement in the race.

Roy — the House Freedom Caucus policy chair who has represented Texas’ 21st congressional district since 2019 — earned a reputation in Congress as a true conservative ideologue. He has led in polling and fundraising, and has been endorsed by well-known conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and fellow Freedom Caucus representatives.