Michigan governor hopefuls John James and Jocelyn Benson sparred in their first televised debate. We checked their facts.
Simon D. Schuster
Simon D. Schuster covers Michigan politics, campaign finance and government accountability for Bridge Michigan. He joined Bridge in 2024 after working as MLive's senior political reporter and on its investigative team, and previously spent three years as executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, tracking the influence of political money in Michigan. A Michigan native, Simon holds a bachelor's degree and a master of public policy from Michigan State University.
Simon is based in Lansing. When he's not working, you'll find him in Detroit, backpacking northern Michigan or visiting his fiancée in Scandinavia.
Posted inMichigan Government
Obama to rally with Abdul El-Sayed, Jocelyn Benson in Detroit
Obama’s visit will coincide with the start of Michigan’s statewide early in-person voting period.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump PAC helps drive Michigan Senate race toward record spending
More than $205 million has poured into Michigan’s US Senate race. General election spending has favored Republican Mike Rogers
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson’s record: Election fights, faster DMV visits, transparency flop
As she runs for governor, Jocelyn Benson’s record as secretary of state is in the spotlight. Here’s what she did, and whether she followed through on campaign promises.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lee Chatfield trial delayed again, this time over disputed expert witness
The delay could push the embezzlement trial of the former Republican House speaker past the November election. At issue is whether testimony from a forensic accountant should be allowed.
Posted inMichigan Government
John James utility plan calls for more cost controls, increased competition
GOP gubernatorial nominee John James has released a plan he said would limit rate increases and increase reliability.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson, John James offer contrasting plans on tariffs, AI, jobs
In Detroit Economic Club forum, gubernatorial rivals Jocelyn Benson and John James offered competing plans for responding to Trump’s tariffs and boosting Michigan businesses.
Posted inMichigan Government
John James says he delivers results. What does his record show?
As John James competes to be Michigan’s next governor, here’s what to know about his record in Congress.
Posted inMichigan Government
John James pitches marijuana tax repeal, courts industry donors
Michigan Republican gubernatorial nominee John James is raising money from marijuana industry donors as he calls to repeal or reduce a new wholesale marijuana tax that raises money for road repairs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson outraises John James. See top donors in Michigan governor race
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson got donations from DTE and Blue Cross executives, while the DeVos family continued to contribute to Republican John James.