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The Michigan Democratic Party is starting to play hardball in the governor's race against Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an Independent and threatens to take votes from the party's candidate in the 2026 general election.

The party is cutting off access to its main voter data program for Democratic candidates who endorse Duggan, Craig Mauger of the Detroit News reports . Duggan, a lifelong Democrat turned Independent, is popular in Detroit and could take away crucial votes from the Democratic candidate, who at this time likely appears to be Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Other Democrats in the race include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson.

Mauger of The News explains that Democratic Party candidates usually

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