DETROIT — In a surprise move that significantly reshapes Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Thursday that he is ending his independent campaign for governor.

The decision, which came amid mounting questions about the viability of his candidacy, was welcomed by many Democrats who feared Duggan’s independent bid could split the party’s voter base in November’s general election.

Duggan’s campaign also moved quickly to deny circulating rumors suggesting he was stepping aside in exchange for a leadership position at the University of Michigan.

With Duggan out of the race, the Democratic primary contest ahead of the August election is now effectively narrowed to Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson.

Polling struggles and political headwinds

During a press conference held at Huntington Place, Duggan acknowledged the increasing difficulty of sustaining an independent statewide campaign.

His announcement came just days after the Detroit Regional Chamber released polling showing Duggan trailing Benson by 11 percentage points in a hypothetical three-way November race that also included Republican U.S Rep. John James.

Duggan pointed to rising national tensions — particularly soaring fuel prices and escalating international conflicts — as factors that pushed voters back toward the two major political parties and weakened support for a centrist independent campaign.

He also acknowledged the financial realities of competing against the massive national fundraising networks available to Democrats and Republicans.

“We don’t feel there is a path forward,” Duggan said during the press conference. “I never ran to be a spoiler.”

The former mayor added that major national political “headwinds” had dramatically altered the environment since he launched his campaign.

“What we are doing today is facing reality,” he said.

“The independent path was always difficult”

Duggan made his announcement 23 weeks before the general election and nine days after the Detroit Regional Chamber released its widely discussed poll showing him in third place.

The former Democratic mayor said he does not plan to endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary.

However, he indicated he remains open to supporting candidates who prioritize school reform, affordable housing and bipartisan economic development.

“If there are candidates in this state carrying a message about fixing schools, creating affordable housing and building future jobs by working together, I’ll be open to supporting them in the fall campaign,” Duggan said.

In a message posted online before the press conference, Duggan reflected on the challenges of running outside the traditional two-party structure.

“We always knew the independent path would be difficult,” he wrote. “Despite those challenges, the desire for real change carried this campaign forward for more than a year.”

Duggan said he held between five and 10 town hall meetings each week across Michigan, bringing together Democrats, Republicans and independents in what he described as positive and constructive discussions.

“It was an incredible experience,” he wrote.

Iran war shifted the political landscape

According to Duggan, the political climate changed dramatically this spring following President Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran.

Duggan argued that the fallout from the conflict pushed voters more strongly toward the Democratic Party and made it increasingly difficult for a bipartisan independent message to resonate.

In a statement responding to Duggan’s withdrawal, Benson thanked the former mayor for his years of public service and his participation in the race.

“I want to thank Mayor Mike Duggan for what he brought to this race and for his years of service to Detroit,” Benson said.

“At a time when politics can feel divided and cynical, we need more civility, more listening and more people willing to work together to move our state forward.”

Benson added that she welcomed Duggan’s supporters and ideas into the broader coalition supporting her campaign.

“I welcome Mayor Duggan’s ideas, his supporters and everyone who believes Michigan’s future is bigger than division — and that it can be a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and thrive,” she said.

“We may not always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan. And that work continues in this campaign.”

In response to Duggan suspending his campaign for governor, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released the following statement:

“We’re grateful to Mayor Mike Duggan for his service to the city of Detroit and our entire state. While we’ve had disagreements, the mayor brought crucial ideas to this race and we appreciate his commitment to bringing people together.

“As we look ahead, we welcome Mayor Duggan’s supporters into our growing coalition as we work to elect a Democratic governor this November who will continue to move Michigan forward.”

Primary election ahead

Voters across Michigan will cast ballots in the statewide primary election on Aug. 4, where Democrats and Republicans will each select one nominee to advance to the general election on Nov. 3.