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Photo from Michigan Democratic Party
The Michigan Democratic Party is concerned about Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's bid for governor as an Independent, fearing he could be a spoiler in the race by either helping Republicans or outright winning the seat himself.
Duggan announced shortly after last November’s presidential election that he was leaving the Democratic Party to run as an Independent for governor in 2026. At the time, he believed his key opponent in the primary would be Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a formidable contender. His term as mayor ends at the end of the year.
As part of an anti-Duggan campaign, the state Democratic Party has purchased several billboards in Detroit reading, “MAGA Money ❤️ Mike Duggan,” to highlight his support from wealthy donors who have also contributed to Republicans, according to Sam Robinson of the Michigan Chronicle.
On Facebook on Saturday, the party posted a photo of the billboards and a Metro Times story with the caption: “With friends like these... it’s clear where Mike Duggan’s priorities are — and it’s not fighting for working Michiganders.”
Duggan has garnered support from both well-heeled Democrats and moderate Republicans including Bill Ford, Peter Karmanos Jr., Roger Penske, attorney Mark Bernstein, Matt Cullen ,former Michigan Republican Party Chair Ron Weiser, and former state Republican co-chair Jeff Sakwa.
"At least the Michigan Democratic Party is predictable – they always think calling someone a Republican is the worst possible insult,” Andrea Bitely, a spokesperson for Duggan’s campaign, tells the Chronicle. “Can’t wait to see their billboard insulting the 11 traditionally Democratic unions who have already endorsed Mayor Duggan for governor.”
