Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan Ends Independent Campaign for Michigan Governor

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent campaign for Michigan governor on Thursday. He said national conditions favoring Democrats and shortfalls in both polling and fundraising made victory unlikely. Duggan wrote on his campaign website that he would have had a path forward if he had been even in the polls and behind in fundraising. Duggan stated that he was behind in both.

Duggan said the mood of the country shifted in April amid rising prices and increasing disapproval of President Donald Trump. He noted that internal polling showed anger over gas prices and Iran boosting Democrats in races nationwide. Duggan also said he trailed the leading Democrat in the race, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, in national fundraising.

A poll commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber found Benson leading a hypothetical November race at 34 percent, followed by Republican candidate Rep. John James at 29 percent and Duggan at 23 percent.

Benson said she welcomes Duggan's ideas, his supporters, and everyone who believes Michigan's future is bigger than division. Michigan's Democratic primary took place earlier this year, while several Republicans remain in contention for their party's nomination.

Michigan's primary is scheduled for Aug. 4. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits. Shortly after Duggan's announcement, the Michigan Democratic Party thanked him and encouraged his supporters to support Democrats in the fall.

8 million on advertising, according to AdImpact. Duggan's campaign spent over $220,000 on ads this year.