Overview
- Mike Duggan suspended his independent campaign for governor on Thursday, May 21, 2026, announcing the decision in a letter to supporters.
- He cited a shift in voter mood driven by high gas prices and the Iran war, falling behind in polls and an inability to build a national fundraising network as reasons for ending the run.
- Duggan noted fundraising was overwhelmingly in‑state with 94% of donors from Michigan and highlighted a gap between outside spending and his campaign, with a supporting super PAC spending about $9.8 million versus roughly $220,000 from his campaign this year.
- Michigan Democratic leaders including Jocelyn Benson and party chair Curtis Hertel publicly thanked Duggan and invited his supporters to join the Democratic effort, returning the contest toward a traditional Democratic versus Republican matchup.
- Duggan launched the independent bid in December 2024 after 12 years as Detroit mayor, and his exit underscores the structural barriers independent statewide campaigns face in Michigan where national party money and turnout trends shape outcomes.