DETROIT – Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Thursday the suspension of his campaign for Michigan governor, citing an increasingly “toxic” political climate exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran and soaring gas prices that are affecting Michiganders’ wallets.
Duggan, who has served as the mayor of Detroit since 2013, was running as an independent candidate to succeed Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is unable to run again due to term limits. In an interview with The Associated Press, he expressed concerns about the current political environment, stating that it would be “very hard to win” given the Democrats’ growing frustration with the federal government. “Democrat anger against Trump and Republicans is extremely high,” he noted, emphasizing the shift in public sentiment over the past two months.
Duggan’s decision to run as an independent was notable, as Michigan has never seen an independent candidate serve as governor, and third-party candidates generally struggle in elections for the state’s highest office. “As long as I knew there was a path for victory, I was going to fight,” he stated. “I don’t see a likely path to win.”
The political climate has been increasingly influenced by global events, particularly the war with Iran, which has led to a significant spike in oil prices—over 50% since late February. Currently, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Michigan stands at $4.74 per gallon, surpassing the national average of $4.56. This marks a stark increase from just a year ago when prices averaged $3.13 in Michigan and $3.18 nationally, reflecting the broader economic strain felt by consumers.
Duggan’s campaign faced challenges not only from the political dynamics but also from rival candidates. He believed he was trailing Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Representative John James in the governor’s race. Other candidates include Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson as a Democrat and millionaire businessman Perry Johnson as a Republican.
With Michigan’s primary election scheduled for August 4 and the general election on November 3, Duggan’s late entry into the race was a surprise to many. In December 2024, he announced his intention to run as an independent, aiming to provide Michigan voters with an alternative to the traditional party system. “It’s clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system,” he remarked at the time.
Throughout his tenure, Duggan has been credited with revitalizing Detroit post-bankruptcy, transforming it into a more vibrant city. His leadership was particularly significant as he became the first white mayor of Detroit in decades, following a long line of Black mayors. Despite his popularity and two successful reelections, his choice to run as an independent made him a target for his former party, with concerns about his potential to siphon votes away from the Democratic nominee.
In a reflective moment, Duggan stated, “I’ve done everything I know how to do for almost a year and a half. You could feel the mood of this state wanting the toxic partisanship to end.” His candidacy was seen by some, including former Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley, as a credible independent effort with the potential to raise significant funds, despite the inherent challenges of lacking party support.
