SouthernWorldwide.com – Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has announced he is withdrawing from the Michigan gubernatorial race, shifting the three-way contest to succeed Governor Gretchen Whitmer into a more traditional partisan battle in the increasingly Democratic-leaning state.
Duggan, a popular figure in Detroit, had previously run an unsuccessful write-in campaign for governor, securing significant support and building relationships with influential figures such as Bill Ford Jr., the chairman of Ford Motor Company, who was an early supporter of his gubernatorial aspirations.
Given Duggan’s past affiliation with the Democratic Party, his independent candidacy was widely seen as potentially drawing votes away from the Democratic nominee, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. His moderate stance also appealed to some Republicans who might otherwise have supported the GOP nominee, Representative John James.
According to NBC News reporter Henry Gomez, Democrats had been “hitting him almost as hard as John James,” suggesting that Duggan’s withdrawal would be “welcome news” for the Democratic party in Michigan.
In a public letter released on Thursday, Duggan stated, “Dear Michigan, I’ve decided to suspend my campaign.”
He acknowledged the significant challenges of an independent run but noted the considerable enthusiasm for change that fueled his campaign for over a year.
Duggan refuted claims that his intention was to act as a “spoiler” for either major party, asserting instead that his goal was to influence the broader national political discourse.
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“I’m still hopeful our campaign will prove to have a real long-term impact,” Duggan remarked.
“I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel for all your support and encouragement. I wish I could have done better for you.”
Upon announcing his candidacy, Duggan cited his family background and personal political evolution as reasons why a change in government was necessary.
He shared with BridgeDetroit that while his late father had supported Ronald Reagan, the current Republican Party under Donald Trump would be unrecognizable to him. Duggan also expressed that the Democratic Party he once knew as a champion of the working class was experiencing a similar shift.
In one notable instance, Duggan faced criticism from Democrats for using the term “illegal immigrants” instead of “undocumented” to describe individuals residing in the U.S. without authorization.
“If there was ever a time to give people a third choice, this would be the year,” he told the publication.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson acknowledged Duggan’s contributions to the race and his years of service to Detroit, highlighting the current state of political division.
“I welcome Mayor Duggan’s ideas, his supporters, and everyone who believes Michigan’s future is bigger than division — and that it can be a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and thrive.”
Benson concluded by stating, “We may not always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan. And that work continues in this campaign.”
In a social media statement, the Republican nominee expressed gratitude for Duggan’s service to Michigan and its largest city.
“I respect anyone willing to step into the arena and serve something bigger than themselves. While we have real disagreements on policy, we both recognize Michigan is headed in the wrong direction,” he said, leaving the door open for potential collaboration with the former Democrat.
“Our state has endured too much decline and political dysfunction. I’m ready to work with anyone willing to deliver real solutions, reject the politics of division, and fight for safer communities, stronger families and economic growth — our state’s future is too important for anything less.”
Although Donald Trump narrowly won Michigan in 2016, breaking the traditional “blue wall,” the state has consistently elected Democrats in other statewide contests, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Senator Gary Peters.
