The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced they will host a public town hall with gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan later this month in St. Joseph.
The event is scheduled for Monday, April 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts, with Duggan set to deliver remarks at 5:30 p.m. The program will also include a fireside chat with Chamber leadership and an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.
Chamber officials say the town hall is part of their ongoing role as a business advocacy organization, providing a platform for candidates to hear directly from employers and residents about economic priorities in Southwest Michigan. The event will cap off a full day of Chamber-organized stops for Duggan across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
“Our role as a chamber is to ensure that candidates for the state’s highest office understand the needs of businesses and communities in Southwest Michigan,” said Chamber President and CEO Arthur Havlicek.
Duggan, the former mayor of Detroit, is running as an independent in the 2026 gubernatorial race. A recent survey from the Detroit Regional Chamber showed a tight contest, with Duggan polling at just over 30 percent, slightly ahead of Republican John James and Democrat Jocelyn Benson, both just under 30 percent.
The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to register in advance online. Organizers say the town hall is intended to give community members direct access to one of the leading candidates in what is shaping up to be a competitive race for Michigan governor.
