DETROIT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Mike Duggan is dropping out of the race to be Michigan’s next governor.
The former Detroit mayor announced his withdrawal as an Independent candidate from the 2026 gubernatorial race Thursday morning.
In a statement, Duggan said being behind in both the polls and fundraising made him think realistically about his prospects of winning.
“If we were even in the polls and behind in fundraising, we have a path to winning. If we were behind in the polls and even in fundraising, we have a path. But we’re behind in both. It’s just not right to ask our volunteers, faith leaders, unions, elected officials and donors to continue in a campaign that, in my heart, I no longer feel good about our chances to win.”
Duggan was the first candidate to announce his bid for governor 18 months ago. As mayor of Detroit, the former Democrat was credited by many for leading Michigan’s largest city out of bankruptcy. He was elected mayor in 2013, running a write-in campaign after a ballot challenge.
In an interview with WTVB morning show host Ken Delaney shortly after he announced his campaign in July 2025, Duggan was upbeat about his chances.
Still in the governor’s race are Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, and Republicans John James, Aric Nesbitt, Mike Cox, Perry Johnson and Ralph Rebandt.
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