Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who was running as an independent for Michigan governor, dropped out of the race on Thursday, May 21, and Democrats and Republicans reacted to the news on social media.
Duggan, a three-term Detroit mayor and longtime Democrat, announced in December 2024 that he was running to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as an independent, a move that generated both enthusiasm and skepticism.
Thursday, the former mayor said internal polling and the changing national political climate led to his exit from the race.
“I got into this race to try to change our politics, not to be a spoiler,” Duggan said in a post on X. “I’m still hopeful our campaign will prove to have a real long-term impact.”
Remaining candidates include Democrats Jocelyn Benson, Kim Thomas and Chris Swanson; and Republicans John James, Aric Nesbitt, Mike Cox, Ralph Rebandt and Perry Johnson.
Thomas, of Battle Creek, and Rebandt, of Washington, could be disqualified from appearing on the primary ballot after a Bureau of Elections report issued Wednesday, May 20, determined they did not submit enough valid petition signatures.
Here’s a closer look at what leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties and other politicians had to say:
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. statement on Duggan’s decision
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Jim Runestad statement on Duggan’s decision
Chris Swanson, Democratic candidate for governor reacts to Duggan’s decision
Tom Leonard, former Michigan House Speaker and former gubernatorial candidate
John James, Republican, U.S. House representative and candidate for governor
Jocelyn Benson, Democrat, Secretary of State and candidate for governor
What Progress Michigan said about Duggan’s decision
Patrick Colbeck, Republican, former Michigan Senator
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reacts to Mike Duggan’s decision
“Mike was a great leader as mayor of Detroit, and he put Michigan first today. I share Mike’s focus on bringing people together at a time when so much in our politics is pulling us apart,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a release.
“Democrats have momentum on our side because Michigan voters want leaders to tackle high costs, create jobs, protect our rights, and make Michigan the best place to live and raise a family. That’s what Democrats do. I look forward to helping our Democratic nominee earn Duggan’s supporters’ votes and electing a Democratic governor of Michigan in November.”
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mike Duggan decision rocks Michigan. What politicians are saying
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
