Capitol News

The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) has launched a series of billboards across Detroit that draw attention to the support Mike Duggan’s campaign is receiving from donors linked to former President Donald Trump and other Republican figures. The billboards were unveiled as Duggan prepares to attend a fundraiser in Detroit hosted by a Trump megadonor who contributed $100,000 to the Trump Victory PAC in 2020 and was involved in Detroit’s towing scandal alongside Duggan.

Last week, Duggan addressed concerns about Medicaid cuts under Trump, stating they “are not as bad as they look,” despite projections that hundreds of thousands of Michiganders could lose their health coverage.

According to the Michigan Democratic Party, these billboards are intended to hold Duggan accountable and inform voters about his campaign’s financial backing. An analysis by Detroit Metro Times found that “a sizable share comes from donors of President Donald Trump, GOP party leaders, and conservative power brokers with vested interests in state policy.”

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel commented: “Pro-Trump, anti-labor Republican donors love Mike Duggan and they’re bankrolling his campaign because Duggan will gladly sell out our state to Trump and Republican special interests, just like he’s sold himself out. Detroiters deserve to know that the same big money donors who spent millions to elect Trump now have Duggan in their pocket. It’s clear that Duggan cannot be trusted to stand up for Michigan families.”

The MDP outlined several notable contributors supporting Duggan, including Ron Weiser, former Michigan Republican Party Chair; JC Huizenga, known for his involvement with charter schools; and top aides from Rick Snyder’s administration who helped pass Right to Work laws. Jeff Sakwa, former Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair, noted that Duggan is receiving support from “a ton of Republicans.”

Recent analyses have also examined the sources of Duggan’s funding. Heartland Signal reported that over $200,000 of Duggan’s donations came from individuals who also contributed to Republican candidates in the current race. Social media content produced by The Gander further identified Republican supporters behind Duggan’s campaign.