Michigan Democratic Party Hits Duggan Over Republican Donors with Detroit Billboards

October 9, 2025

The Michigan Democratic Party has launched billboards across Detroit criticizing Mayor Mike Duggan for accepting donations from Republican supporters during his independent gubernatorial campaign. Duggan, who left the Democratic Party in December after serving as mayor for 12 years, has received contributions from prominent Republican donors while also securing endorsements from traditionally Democratic labor unions. The party claims the billboard campaign aims to show Michiganders that Duggan "can't be trusted," coinciding with a fundraiser Duggan attended with a Trump donor.

Who is affected

Detroit residents/Michigan voters
Mayor Mike Duggan
Michigan Democratic Party
Republican donors who support Duggan
Labor unions who have endorsed Duggan
Other gubernatorial candidates (Democratic and Republican)

What action is being taken

The Michigan Democratic Party is running billboard campaigns across Detroit criticizing Duggan
The billboards highlight Duggan's support from "MAGA megadonors and Trump loyalists"
The billboards were timed to coincide with Duggan attending a fundraiser with a Trump donor
Traditionally Democratic unions are endorsing Duggan's independent campaign

Why it matters

Duggan's independent campaign could potentially split traditional Democratic votes
A Republican state party official expressed concern that Duggan's campaign could hurt Republican candidates
Duggan has secured endorsements from organizations that typically support Democrats, including 11 labor unions
The situation represents unusual political alignment where a former Democratic mayor is receiving both Republican donor support and Democratic labor endorsements

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle