Mark Totten bows out of Michigan Attorney General race

UPPER MICHIGAN, Mich. (WLUC) - Former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced Tuesday that he is ending his bid to replace the term-limited Dana Nessel as Michigan’s Attorney General.

The suspension of Totten’s campaign comes as a result of some unions endorsing another Democrat in the AG race, Karen McDonald, according to a statement released on Facebook by Totten.

“Following recent endorsements by major labor unions, I have concluded that there is not a viable path forward through an early endorsement convention,” Totten said. “I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary support I have received across Michigan.”

Totten was the first person to announce his candidacy for the seat in April.

Fellow Democrat Attorney General candidate Karen McDonald addressed Totten’s departure from the race on Tuesday.

“I have incredible respect for anyone who campaigns for statewide office in our current polarized political environment, including Mark Totten, because I know how hard it is to put yourself out there in front of voters day after day,” McDonald said. “While we did not always agree, I know Mark ran for Attorney General for the right reasons, to protect Michigan from an administration in Washington that is trampling on our rights every day.”

Eli Savit, another Democratic candidate for Attorney General, praised Totten.

“Mark Totten is the epitome of a principled and dedicated public servant,” Savit said. “I’m proud to have worked with him on a number of initiatives over the years and I’m even prouder to call him a friend.”

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