MSU Governors Poll Shows Slight Benson Lead, But No Clear-Cut Frontrunner

East Lansing, Mich., April 20, 2026 – Today, the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University (IPPSR) released its first poll of the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race. The poll, which was conducted as part of the long-running State of the State Survey by the Office for Survey Research at Michigan State University (OSR), showed no clear frontrunner in the race, with most voters still undecided. However, Democrat Joyelyn Benson appears to hold a slight lead.

The survey, which was conducted from March 2-24, 2026, asked 1000 respondents about a possible Michigan Gubernatorial matchup in November between Democrat Jocelyn Benson, Republican John James, and Independent Mike Duggan. Respondents were also given the option to choose someone else or remain undecided. Respondents who were undecided were also asked if they were leaning toward a candidate. The results are below.

"With no major opposition to her nomination candidacy, Jocelyn Benson’s slight lead is largely reflective of her being more in control of her party's base," said IPPSR Interim Director Corwin Smidt. Smidt continued, "On the Republican side, John James is facing some well-financed and active competitors for the nomination. Duggan's strength is understandably concentrated in the Detroit metropolitan area, but Duggan’s support is much lower outside those counties

OSR and IPPSR conducted the State of the State Survey (SOSS 93). Interviews were conducted March 2–24, 2026, among 1,000 Michigan adult residents using a YouGov online panel. Respondents were recruited via a web-based probability panel and matched to a sampling frame of Michigan adults. The response rate was 61.9 percent. The State of the State Survey has been conducted continuously since 1994. 

A more in-depth report can be found here

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