Mike Duggan drops independent Michigan governor bid, race shifts
Mike Duggan dropped his independent campaign for Michigan governor on Thursday, ending a bid he launched in December 2024. The former Detroit mayor had framed himself as a separate option from both parties, but less than six months before the election, he is leaving the race.
He announced in December 2024, “I'm not running to be the Democrats' governor or the Republicans' governor. I'm running to be your governor,” and said, “The political fighting and the nonsense that once held back Detroit is too often what we’re seeing across Michigan today.” Duggan also said, “The current system forces people to choose sides—not find solutions.”
Michigan Primary on Aug. 4
The August primary election is set for Aug. 4. Democratic candidates on the ballot are Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Kim Thomas. Republican candidates include Rep. John James, former Attorney General Mike Cox, businessman Perry Johnson and State Sen. Aric Nesbitt.
Duggan said he spent the last 18 months trying to change Michigan's toxic party politics, backed by hundreds of volunteers and 5-10 town halls a week across the state. He said the campaign brought Democrats, Republicans and Independents into the same rooms for lively and positive discussions.
Duggan Letter on Thursday
In the letter he released Thursday, Duggan said, “I am so disappointed to have to write you this letter.” He said the mood of the country shifted suddenly and dramatically by April, with Democrats and many Independents unified in anger as Trump's war in Iran dragged on and gas prices rose above $5 a gallon.
Duggan said internal polling showed anger over gas prices and Iran was boosting Democrats in every office nationally, and he pointed to a May 5 result in Saginaw where a Democratic State Senate candidate won 60% of the vote in a seat Republicans thought would be very competitive. He also said a Chamber poll last week showed him 11 points behind the Democratic candidate.
Democratic and Republican Fields
Duggan said union endorsements continued to pile up after unions learned Michigan election law allowed voters to vote straight ticket Democrat and also vote for him as an Independent. He said 94% of his donors came from Michigan and that the campaign raised more instate than any other candidate.
His exit leaves the Aug. 4 primary and the general-election campaign to the remaining Democratic and Republican candidates. For voters watching the governor’s race, the immediate change is that the independent lane Duggan opened in December is now closed.
