Duggan exits independent bid, reshaping Michigan's governor race

Former Detroit mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent bid for Michigan governor, saying shifting political winds and weak national fundraising make victory unlikely. The decision came 23 weeks before the election after polls showed him in third place behind John James and Jocelyn Benson, with Duggan citing factors like Trump’s Iran policy and rising gas prices that hinder his bipartisan message. He noted most donors are Michigan-based, but national party money remains hard to mobilize for independents, thanked supporters, and said the race moves forward with other candidates. A group backing his campaign had spent about $14 million, but Duggan concluded continuing wasn’t right given the fundraising environment.