As Dissatisfaction With U.S. Democracy Persists, Michiganders Are Open to Compromise and Independent Candidates for Governor
Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber released findings from its latest statewide poll of 600 registered Michigan voters in partnership with The Glengariff Group, Inc. The poll was conducted between Jan. 2-7, 2025, and posed key questions to voters on the economy, inflation, Canadian tariffs, democracy, and openness to independent political candidates for governor.
‘“Tariffs, which are taxes, on Canadian products will have a disproportionate impact on the agriculture and manufacturing industries and a disproportionate impact on Michigan and Michigan workers. This poll demonstrates that Michiganders understand this and are saying, ‘Leave Canada alone.’ Michiganders clearly view Canada as a friend and a majority understand that tariffs on Canadian imports will harm Michigan workers and companies.”
– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
“Much as we’ve seen for the past two years, voters are concerned about costs. While we continue to see costs associated with everyday living, voters are increasingly concerned with big-ticket spending items associated with interest rates. Mortgage and rent, credit card bills, and car payments are increasingly weighing on voters’ minds. Inflation concerns have doubled since our fall survey, and 41% of voters say they have been impacted by interest rates. These are items on which voters will continue to make their political assessments.”
-Richard Czuba, President, The Glengariff Group, Inc.
A majority of voters continue to believe Michigan is on the “right track” overall, with the lowest “wrong track” numbers since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This correlates with an 11.5% increase in voters who say they are doing “better” or the “same” from September 2024.
Voters remain equally split on the state’s economic direction by a margin of 42.9% “right track” to 42.2% “wrong track”. Inflation and costs of goods continue to be an overwhelming reason cited by those who believe Michigan’s economy is on the “wrong track.”
Costs remain the top voter concern as long-standing worries about consumer goods prices persist. However, there is a shift in that concern that brings an increased focus on the impact of higher interest rates and housing costs as voters express concerns about mortgage rates, credit card debt, and auto loans. Despite increased housing costs, the Detroit Region’s home prices remain relatively affordable compared to peer regions.
Inflation fears have nearly doubled since September 2024, reflecting a disconnect between voter perception and the reality that the U.S. inflation rate ranked among the lowest of the advanced economy countries in 2023. Voters do not appear aware of or care about the reality that inflation is a global phenomenon or that the U.S. has fared well compared to its peers.
There is a notable post-election shift along party lines with inflation concerns and the prospect of a potential recession. Republican voters largely believe inflation will get better, while Democrats now believe it will get worse. While overall recession fears saw a minor increase, Democrat voters are most likely to expect a recession next year, while Republican voters’ fears of a recession have dropped.
Canada is Michigan’s top export market while accounting for 30% of Michigan’s total imports. This lucrative trade relationship is central to Michigan’s economic success and prosperity, particularly given how intertwined the automotive and mobility industry is in both places. For example, suppliers provide thousands of vehicle parts, some of which cross the border seven or eight times during assembly. A majority of every demographic of voters view Canada as an economic friend of Michigan and understand that tariffs on Canadian products will increase costs for consumers. A majority of voters understand that Canadian tariffs will hurt Michigan’s economy. With costs being the top concern for voters, tariffs on Canadian goods would likely not be well received.
A majority of Michigan voters believe neither party is producing the type of candidates to deliver results, carrying over frustration with the presidential candidates of both major parties during the 2024 general election. They also appear open to the idea of independent party candidates for governor, which reflects national trends from Gallup that the share of voters that identify as independent has grown to exceed the share for both Democrats and Republicans.
There is also a notable post-election shift along party lines regarding satisfaction with democracy. In the most recent poll, 56.8% of voters are dissatisfied, while 34.9% are satisfied with the condition of democracy in the U.S. Republicans are significantly more satisfied with the state of American democracy than in previous polls. In the Chamber’s May 2024 poll, 15.1% of Strong Republicans were satisfied with democracy compared to 39% in January 2025.
In addition to the dissatisfaction with the state of democracy in the U.S., more than 69% of voters seek compromise from elected officials. The overall frustration with democracy among both parties, combined with the desire for compromise, suggests some opportunity for independent candidates and bipartisanship in Lansing.