Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James are raising big money in their run for Michigan governor. But independent Mike Duggan’s campaign raised the most from donors last year.
Simon D. Schuster
Simon D. Schuster is a Capitol Reporter for Bridge Michigan. Simon joined Bridge Michigan in 2024 after working as MLive's senior political reporter and later covering politics on their investigative team. He spent three years tracking the influence of political money in Michigan as executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit. A Michigan native, Simon received a bachelor's and a master of public policy from Michigan State University, where he was a policy fellow at the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. Outside of work you'll find him in Detroit, backpacking northern Michigan or visiting his fiancée in Scandinavia. He lives in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan Senate race, Dems battle for bucks as Mike Rogers builds war chest
Six months from the primary and with no clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, fundraising remains tight in Michigan’s closely-watched US Senate race.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Michigan gains 28K residents, reversing losses to other states
For the first time in decades, more people moved to Michigan from other states in 2025 than vice versa, according to new US Census Bureau Estimates. International migration was the primary population growth driver.
Posted inMichigan Government
What Garlin Gilchrist’s switch means for Michigan governor, SOS races
Jocelyn Benson is happy Garlin Gilchrist is no longer running for governor. Democrats already running for secretary of state aren’t happy he’s joined their race, arguing the post is ‘not a consolation prize.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan faces a huge election year. These are the 2026 races to watch
Michigan voters will decide a new governor, a new US Senator and much, much more in 2026. These are the top races to watch.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan ranked choice voting group ends 2026 ballot effort
Rank MI Vote, which seeks to bring ranked choice voting to Michigan, is ending a bid to put a proposal on the state’s 2026 ballot. Organizers say they may try again for 2028.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan quickly deletes government chats, raising transparency questions
Michigan’s open records law does not mandate how long state and local governments must hold on to records.
Posted inMichigan Government, Political and Public Policy Information
Bills spurred by Michigan hospital killing would allow free PPO service
Victims of domestic violence or stalking wouldn’t have to pay police to serve the perpetrator with a personal protection order under the state Senate-passed legislation.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Consumers, Blue Cross fight Michigan proposal to keep ‘money out of politics’
Consumers Energy and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are helping bankroll opposition to a potential 2026 ballot proposal that aims to limit their political spending.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP hopeful pumps millions of own money into Michigan governor’s race
Former Attorney General Mike Cox puts another $2M of his own money into the Michigan governor’s race as John James, Mike Duggan and Jocelyn Benson raise most from donors.