Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent campaign for Michigan governor on Thursday ahead of the Aug. 4 primary.After entering the race in December 2024, Duggan pitched himself as a viable alternative to candidates from the two major parties. But a lot has changed since then, particularly on the international stage.The former Democrat cited growing anger and polarization over the Iran war and rising gas prices as to why he suspended his campaign. In a letter to his supporters, Duggan explained he didn’t see a chance of winning as an unaffiliated candidate given the Democratic Party’s united outrage.
“For the public in general, our internal polling showed the intense anger over gas prices and Iran was boosting Democrats in every office nationally,” he wrote. “The Chamber poll last week showing we’d fallen 11 points behind the Democratic candidate reflects that reality.”
In the statewide poll, Duggan was in third place behind Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Rep. John James (R-MI). Both face multiple opponents in their respective primaries.
“If we were even in the polls and behind in fundraising, we have a path to winning,” Duggan said in the letter. “If we were behind in the polls and even in fundraising, we have a path. 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.”
