(WXYZ) — Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Thursday that he was dropping his Independent campaign for governor, and it prompted reaction from across the state.
Related: Read Duggan's full letter announcing the end of his candidacy
Duggan announced his candidacy in December 2024 and has blasted partisan politics throughout his campaign.
Hear more on the decision from the Scripps News Group Detroit's Editorial Director Chuck Stokes in the video below
The announcement has prompted reaction from across the state. See some of the responses below.
Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson
“I want to thank Mayor Mike Duggan for what he brought to this race and for his years of service to Detroit. 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. 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. We may not always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan. And that work continues in this campaign.”
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel
“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.”
Republican Governors Association
“Mike Duggan is right on one thing: Democrat leadership is not serving Michiganders. Education is in decline, housing costs are rising, and young people are leaving in droves. Jocelyn Benson represents toxic partisan politics to its core. While Benson was on the board of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), they were allegedly funneling millions to white supremacist groups, and Benson herself is entangled in multiple racial discrimination lawsuits. Michigan families deserve a governor who is willing to fight for change, not continue the decline Michigan has faced for years.”
Democratic Governors Association
“The RGA and Michigan Republicans were desperately counting on a third-party candidacy that no longer exists to win. Now, the Michigan GOP’s entire crowded field of extremists has absolutely nowhere to hide from the high costs of groceries and gas, along with Donald Trump’s health care cuts and chaos. We look forward to exposing them.”
Detroit Regional Chamber President & CEO Sandy K. Baruah
"Obviously, I am disappointed that Mike Duggan’s campaign for governor is ending, but we are thankful for his leadership for Michigan and driving a critical conversation about how to move our state forward. The Chamber’s PAC made an early endorsement of Mike’s candidacy because of our close partnership while he led Detroit. It also provided the opportunity to send a powerful message that politics as usual has not always served Michigan well.
The Chamber looks forward to next week’s Mackinac Policy Conference, which will feature several candidates for governor, and we plan to make minor adjustments to the agenda in light of this news."
