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

Duggan, who left the Democratic Party in late 2024 to run as an independent, cited shifting national and state political dynamics that have strengthened Democrats and made his path to victory nearly impossible.

“I got into this race to try to change our politics, not to be a spoiler,” Duggan wrote in a heartfelt message to supporters. “I’m still hopeful our campaign will prove to have a real long-term impact.”

The former mayor built his bid around reducing toxic partisanship in Lansing, promising a fresh approach to issues like education, housing, and keeping young talent in Michigan. For more than a year, he held dozens of town halls across the state that drew Democrats, Republicans, and independents together in positive conversations.

However, recent polling showed Duggan trailing. A Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce survey released last week had him 11 points behind Democratic frontrunner Jocelyn Benson in a three-way matchup with Republican John James. Fundraising proved equally challenging, with Duggan relying heavily on in-state donors while facing the massive resources of the two major parties.

Duggan pointed to rising gas prices and public frustration over the ongoing situation in Iran as factors that unified Democrats and many independents this spring. Despite strong union endorsements and a dedicated volunteer base, he concluded continuing the race would not be fair to his supporters.

“Being down 11 points in May wouldn’t discourage me – I’ve been down worse than that in the past,” he wrote. “But this time it’s compounded by our inability to build serious national fundraising support… We’re behind in both [polls and fundraising].”

Duggan’s exit leaves the race primarily between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on the Democratic side and U.S. Rep. John James for the Republicans. His campaign had already gathered significant attention and highlighted voter desire for alternatives to traditional party politics.

The two-term Detroit mayor, known for his pragmatic leadership and turnaround efforts in the city, thanked volunteers, donors, and faith leaders who backed his vision. He expressed confidence that the conversations started by his independent run would influence the eventual nominees.

This story is developing as Michigan’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the November election.