Michigan governor candidates have filed their latest campaign finance reports, revealing their top donors. Businessman Perry Johnson has poured nearly $30 million of his own money into his quest to become Michigan’s next governor.
Republican Primary
In the heated Republican primary against Trump-endorsed US Rep. John James, Johnson has spent $23 million this year bombarding Michigan’s airwaves with commercials taunting his signature campaign promises: the elimination of the state’s income tax and a ‘MEGA audit.’ The DeVos family, longtime powerbrokers in the Michigan GOP, is now backing James for governor, with nine family members donating a combined $80,750 to James’ campaign this year.
The winner of the Aug. 4 primary between James and Johnson will go on to face either Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson or Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who are competing for the Democratic nomination. Benson, the Democratic frontrunner, has so far raised more from donors this year than any other candidate, reporting $5 million in contributions through July 20.
Democratic Primary
Benson is far ahead of Swanson in most polls of the Democratic primary, and the fundraising reflected that. Swanson raised just about $722,000 over the first seven months of 2026, and spent $806,000. After spending a relatively small amount, Benson ended the reporting period with more than $6.4 million in the bank.
A PAC established by Benson called Michigan Legacy PAC, which cannot independently spend to support her candidacy, will next have to file a disclosure on Monday. Benson received $8,325 contributions – the maximum allowed for an individual — from several donors, including Todd Flood, an attorney appointed by then-Attorney General Bill Schuette to serve as special prosecutor during the Flint water crisis.
James, who’s expected to appear with President Donald Trump at an event on Monday, raised about $3.1 million between Jan. 1 and July 20. Some of his top donors included the Rakolta family, whose Detroit-based Walbridge construction firm is building a hyperscale facility in Saline Township.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
