Mike Duggan campaign says false post about endorsements was an error

Craig Mauger, The Detroit News on Feb 16, 2026

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LANSING, Mich. — Independent Mike Duggan's campaign for governor issued a social media post Sunday night claiming to have support from multiple labor unions that have, in fact, not endorsed his bid for Michigan's top political office.

Andrea Bitely, spokeswoman for Duggan's campaign, said the tweet was an error. It was deleted at some point Monday morning.

On Sunday evening, the former Detroit mayor's X account specifically listed the United Auto Workers Local 412, the Teamsters, the Operating Engineers and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

"15 labor unions didn't endorse me to help one party or the other," Duggan's account then said. "They endorsed me because I deliver for working people."

However, the SEIU and the UAW — two influential groups in Michigan Democratic politics — haven't endorsed anyone yet in the race to be Michigan's next governor. Both unions confirmed they hadn't picked a candidate still on Monday, eight months before the November general election.

“SEIU Michigan has not yet endorsed a candidate for the governor of Michigan," the SEIU said in a press release.

"The UAW has not made any endorsement in the Michigan governor's race," the UAW said in its own statement.

And the Operating Engineers Local 324 previously endorsed Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, a Democratic candidate for governor, according to a February press release from Swanson's campaign.

"Sheriff Swanson is a dedicated public servant and proven leader, who always puts the needs of working people and those he serves first," said Douglas Stockwell, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324.

A representative of the Operating Engineers didn't immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment Monday.

Curtis Hertel, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said Duggan had lied and claimed he had endorsements he didn't have.

"This is just the latest instance of Duggan misleading Michiganders, and it's clear he cannot be trusted," Hertel said.

Duggan, the former three-term mayor of Detroit and a former longtime Democrat, has previously announced the backing of multiple labor groups, including the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights and the statewide Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, another Democratic candidate for governor, has been endorsed by the Michigan Laborers District Council, multiple local Teamsters organizations and other union groups.

Benson's campaign announced Monday that she had won the support of the Michigan Nurses Association.

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