Honigman Capitol Report

Governor's Office

Gubernatorial Race Crowded as Whitmer Approaches Final Year

As Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer approaches her final year in office, a diverse group of candidates from both major parties and an independent are vying to become the state's next governor.  Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has notably left the Democratic Party to run as an independent, raising questions about the potential impact of a third-party candidate in the race.  Historically, control of the governor's office has alternated between parties, but recent Democratic successes amid dissatisfaction with former President Donald Trump's policies suggest a possible shift.

Democratic Candidates

The Democratic field includes Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and former Cape Coral, Fla. Mayor Marni Sawicki.  Benson is a frontrunner, with significant fundraising and endorsements from various political and labor groups.  Her campaign has raised $4.75 million, with $2.98 million remaining.  Gilchrist, Michigan's first Black lieutenant governor, has focused on economic growth and has taken a strong stance on international issues, raising $1.13 million with $378,457 on hand.  Swanson, known for his actions during the George Floyd protests, emphasizes unity and innovation while Sawicki's campaign centers on transparency.

Independent Candidate

Mike Duggan, running as an independent, aims to address political division and has gained support from business groups and unions.  His campaign has raised $4.38 million, with $2.4 million on hand.

Republican Candidates

The Republican primary is competitive, with no clear frontrunner.  U.S. Rep. John James, a prominent candidate, focuses on affordability and education, with $3.65 million raised and $2.27 million remaining.  Aric Nesbitt, a Trump supporter, opposes electric vehicles and supports tax cuts, with $2.7 million raised and $2.1 million on hand.  Mike Cox, a former attorney general, advocates for tax elimination and has raised $4.58 million, with $3.78 million remaining.  Tom Leonard emphasizes ethics and accountability while Karla Wagner focuses on tax elimination and small business support, with minimal funds raised.

Committee News

Michigan Achievement Scholarship Backed by Business Groups

A coalition of leading Michigan business organizations is urging prompt legislative action to codify the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, emphasizing that statutory adoption will expand credential attainment and, over time, bolster the state’s skilled workforce.  Six business groups recently wrote to House Appropriations Chair Rep. Ann Bollin to request movement on companion legislation from both chambers that would place the program into law.  The coalition points to MI School Data showing that only 53.4% of high school seniors enrolled in postsecondary education within six months—the lowest rate in the Great Lakes region and a significant decline over the past decade—as a core rationale for stabilizing and strengthening the scholarship through statute. Specifically, the groups asked the committee to advance SB 382 and SB 383, and HB 4955 and HB 4956, which were introduced in September.  The proposed legislation incorporates performance and transparency metrics long requested by employers—income levels, persistence and graduation rates, and the types of credentials earned—enabling policymakers and stakeholders to measure the scholarship’s impact on Michigan’s talent pipeline and economic mobility.  Business leaders further underscore that codification would create a reliable, accountable framework for the program, providing continuity for students, institutions, and employers. The Senate has already approved its bills with some bipartisan support, and fiscal analysis indicates the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the related Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship together were estimated to cost approximately $270.7 million in FY 2024–25, rising to about $590 million by FY 2027–28.  The signatories include the presidents of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Business Leaders for Michigan, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Association of Michigan, TalentFirst, and the Grand Rapids Chamber.

Election News

U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Expected to be Competitive

Michigan Democrats are preparing for a competitive multi-candidate U.S. Senate primary in the upcoming summer, marking the first such event in over 30 years.  This primary will feature U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and candidate Abdul El-Sayed, provided they secure the necessary 15,000 signatures to remain in the race.  Historically, Michigan has held 39 U.S. Senate primaries since 1910, with 14 involving Democratic primaries.  Democrats have typically offered a single candidate, with only one primary challenge to a sitting senator occurring in 1952 when Blair Moody faced a token challenge after being appointed to succeed the late U.S. Sen. Arthur Vandenberg.

On Point

Press Release: For 15th Consecutive Year, Honigman Named a Top Workplace by The Detroit Free Press