Your guide to the Michigan governor’s race: Bios, key stances, disagreements and controversies surrounding the candidates seeking to succeed Gretchen Whitmer.
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 Politics Watch
Panel: No silver bullet for housing, but Michigan policymakers have to act
A panel of experts at Bridge Michigan’s inaugural Issues Summit said the state’s leaders spend a lot of time talking about housing but do little to address it.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Musk, Bloomberg help fuel late funding surge in Michigan governor’s race
Billionaire donors, corporations and special interests are pumping late money into the Michigan gubernatorial race between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Jocelyn Benson, John James say Michigan needs change. Agreements end there
Jocelyn Benson and John James are making closing arguments in the governor’s race. But another figure looms large: ‘Voters are all making their decision based on Donald Trump,’ said a Michigan pollster.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Fact checks, takeaways: Donald Trump rips Dems, downplays gas prices in Michigan
Donald Trump made bold claims about Democrats Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson Sunday. Here are the facts.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Late $1.8M surge for John James tests Michigan campaign finance law
With a DeVos assist, Michigan GOP pumps $1.8 million into John James’ campaign in final weeks of the gubernatorial race. Democrats say it violates state law.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
‘Please, I need a clerk!’ No candidates for almost 500 positions on Michigan ballots
Low pay and public criticism makes local government jobs less appealing than in the past, officials say.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Trump to rally in Michigan a day after Obama, near Canada
President Donald Trump is slated to rally supporters in St. Clair County nine days before the Nov. 3 general election.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Abdul El-Sayed sets Michigan fundraising record. See who’s contributing
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed raised $30 million for his US Senate campaign in the last quarter, the most ever for a Michigan candidate. Democrats also outraised rivals in key US House districts, but outside spending has generally favored Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Fact check: John James, Jocelyn Benson trade claims in Michigan governor debate
Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls debated state spending, school funding, gas taxes and more. Here are the facts.
