DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Former Detroit mayor and Democrat-turned-Independent Mike Duggan is dropping his bid for Michigan governor.

In a letter to supporters on Thursday, Duggan expressed his disappointment. “For the last 18 months, I’ve worked every day to try to change Michigan’s toxic party politics.” He added, “The Chamber poll last week showing we’d fallen 11 points behind the Democratic candidate….”

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Duggan’s exit changes the outlook in the lead up to the August primary since it’s now a Republican-Democrat race. GOP candidates running include U.S. Rep John James, businessman Perry Johnson, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former Attorney General Mike Cox, and Pastor Ralph Rebandt.

Democrats include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and accountant Kim Thomas.