Detroit Mayor Leaves Democratic Party, Launches Independent Gubernatorial Bid

Mike Duggan previously announced that he would not seek another term as mayor.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan at the White House in Washington in a file photograph. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

The mayor of Michigan’s most populous city is leaving the Democratic Party and launching an independent challenge for Michigan governor, which is currently held by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. State law prevents Whitmer from serving another term.

“It’s clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in an interview on Dec. 3, a day before he publicly announced his bid. “And so I want to offer people a choice.”