Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has endorsed current council president Mary Sheffield for the upcoming mayor's race. Sheffield and the Rev. Solomon Kinloch will face off in November for the seat, after the two were named the winners of the Aug.

Duggan is leaving office after 12 years to run for Michigan governor as an independent. His endorsement comes at a crucial moment for the mayor, who is leaning on support across the state while confronting the Democratic party — which he identified with and supported for years — by jumping ship in a self-proclaimed attempt to bridge the partisan divide.