Mike Duggan Suspends Independent Campaign for Michigan Governor

The longtime Detroit mayor says a major shift in the political climate made it harder for his independent message to break through.

Independent Michigan gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan suspended his campaign for governor Thursday, saying growing political polarization over the war in Iran and rising gas prices made it increasingly difficult for his message of unity and bipartisanship to gain traction.

Duggan, the longtime Detroit mayor and former Democrat, announced the decision in a letter to supporters just days before he was expected to take center stage at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference.

“We knew the Independent route was filled with challenge,” Duggan wrote. “Even against those odds, the excitement for real change carried this campaign upward for more than a year.”

Duggan said his campaign had held between five and 10 town halls a week across Michigan, bringing together Democrats, Republicans and independents for what he described as “lively and positive discussions.”

But Duggan said the political environment shifted dramatically this spring following President Donald Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran.

“Democrats (and many Independents) were unified in anger as Trump’s war in Iran dragged on and gas prices rose above $5 a gallon,” Duggan wrote. “On May 5, the Democratic State Senate candidate in Saginaw won 60% of the vote in a seat Republicans thought would be very competitive. Against the Democratic headwinds, we worked twice as hard.”

Duggan had positioned himself as a bipartisan alternative in the 2026 governor’s race, arguing Michigan voters were frustrated with division in both major political parties.

Following Duggan’s announcement, several gubernatorial candidates issued statements praising his public service while emphasizing their own visions for the state.

Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson thanked Duggan for “his years of service to Detroit” and said Michigan needs “more civility, more listening, and more people willing to work together to move our state forward.”

Benson added that while they may not agree on every issue, “we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan.”

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson also praised Duggan, calling fellow candidates “options not opponents.”

“I thank Mayor Mike Duggan for his service to Detroit and the passionate ideas he has brought to the discussion about making Michigan a better place to live and work,” Swanson said in a statement.

Republican gubernatorial candidate John James thanked Duggan for “his years of service to the people of Michigan and Detroit” and said the two shared concerns about the direction of the state.

“Our state has endured too much decline and political dysfunction,” James said. “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.”