Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors

July 27, 2026

Michigan's Republican gubernatorial primary features businessman Perry Johnson self-funding his campaign with nearly $30 million, approaching the state record set by Dick DeVos in 2006. Johnson faces Trump-endorsed Representative John James, who has received substantial backing from the DeVos family and a pro-James super PAC totaling over $6 million. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads the field with $5 million raised from donors and $6.

Who is affected

Perry Johnson (Republican gubernatorial candidate)
US Rep. John James (Republican gubernatorial candidate, Trump-endorsed)
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (Democratic gubernatorial candidate)
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson (Democratic gubernatorial candidate)
DeVos family members (nine donated to James)
Dan and Pamella DeVos (donated $6 million to pro-James super PAC)
John Yob (political consultant managing Johnson's campaign)
Former Attorney General Mike Cox (dropped out and endorsed James)
Michigan voters
Labor unions (SEIU, UAW, LIUNA)
Rakolta family members (donors to James)

What action is being taken

Johnson is spending $23 million bombarding Michigan's airwaves with commercials
The DeVos family is backing James for governor
Benson's campaign is building campaign infrastructure
Mission Michigan super PAC is supporting James
James is receiving public funding for his campaign (has received $258,000 so far)

Why it matters

This race will determine Michigan's next governor, making campaign financing critical to understanding candidate viability and political influence. The stark financial disparities between candidates—particularly Benson's substantial cash advantage over all competitors—could significantly impact the general election outcome. The involvement of wealthy families like the DeVoses and issues of self-funding versus grassroots donations reveal the role of money in Michigan politics. The late disclosure timing (just 11 days before the primary, a month after absentee ballots were sent) raises transparency concerns for voters trying to make informed decisions.

What's next

August 4 primary election between James and Johnson (Republican) and between Benson and Swanson (Democratic)
James is expected to appear with President Donald Trump at an event on Monday
Michigan Legacy PAC (established by Benson) will file a disclosure on Monday
The primary winners will face each other in the November general election

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com