DETROIT — Former Mike Duggan announced Thursday that he is ending his independent campaign for Michigan governor, withdrawing from a race that once promised to test whether a nonpartisan message could gain traction in an increasingly polarized political climate.
Duggan, who served 12 years as mayor of Detroit, revealed the decision in a lengthy letter to supporters, citing deteriorating political conditions for independent candidates, declining poll numbers and fundraising disadvantages against the Democratic and Republican parties.
“I got into this race to try to change our politics, not to be a spoiler,” Duggan wrote. “But we’re behind in both. It’s just not right to ask our volunteers, faith leaders, unions, elected officials and donors to continue in a campaign that, in my heart, I no longer feel good about our chances to win.”
Duggan launched his independent bid in December 2024 after leaving office as Detroit mayor, arguing that Michigan voters were frustrated with partisan conflict in Lansing. At the time, he positioned himself as a candidate focused on pragmatic problem-solving rather than party ideology.
“I’m not running to be the Democrats’ governor or the Republicans’ governor. I’m running to be your governor,” Duggan said when he announced his campaign.
Throughout the campaign, Duggan traveled across Michigan holding town halls that brought together Democrats, Republicans and independents, often emphasizing economic development, public safety and urban revitalization as examples of his governing approach in Detroit.
But in his withdrawal letter, Duggan said the national political environment shifted dramatically this spring, particularly as tensions surrounding President Donald Trump and rising gas prices intensified voter anger and strengthened Democratic momentum statewide.
Duggan specifically pointed to a Democratic victory in a May 5 special election for a state Senate seat in Saginaw County as evidence of changing political winds.
He also acknowledged the steep financial realities facing independent campaigns. While Duggan said Michigan donors strongly supported his effort, he noted that modern gubernatorial races rely heavily on national party fundraising networks — resources he said independent candidates currently lack.
“Our internal polling showed the intense anger over gas prices and Iran was boosting Democrats in every office nationally,” Duggan wrote.
The former mayor said recent polling showed him trailing the Democratic nominee by 11 points. While he maintained that such deficits can be overcome, he said the combination of lagging fundraising and slipping poll numbers ultimately convinced him the path to victory had narrowed too far.
Duggan’s departure reshapes Michigan’s 2026 governor’s race just months before the Aug. 4 primary election.
On the Democratic side, candidates include Jocelyn Benson, Chris Swanson and Kim Thomas.
Republican contenders include John James, Mike Cox, businessman Perry Johnson and state Sen. Aric Nesbitt.
Despite ending his campaign, Duggan said he remains hopeful his effort demonstrated a growing appetite among Michigan voters for alternatives to traditional partisan politics.
“More than 1.6 million Michigan voters are today looking for a Governor candidate serious about reducing the toxic partisan politics,” Duggan wrote. “If the candidates on the ballot this year take that message to heart and truly reach out to those voters, we will have accomplished something important.”
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