Honigman Capitol Report

Governor's Office

Whitmer Seeks More Federal Help For Back-To-Back Natural Disasters

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has requested an additional round of federal public assistance from FEMA following two recent natural disasters: a three‑day blizzard affecting seven northern Michigan counties and four tornadoes that struck southwest Michigan earlier in the month. She noted that FEMA, with encouragement from President Donald Trump, had previously assisted northern Michigan utilities after the severe March 2025 ice storm, and the state is now seeking similar support for these new emergencies. Whitmer emphasized that despite being in her final months as governor, the pace of crises—from deadly tornadoes to a synagogue attack to a major blizzard—has not slowed. She stressed the need for collaboration with both the Michigan Legislature and the state’s congressional delegation to help impacted residents. Whitmer reiterated her commitment to securing additional federal resources for the affected communities.

Committee News

Senate Passes Primary Election Changes

Michigan’s Senate has advanced a package of eight bipartisan bills (SB 691–698) that would move the state’s primary elections from August to May beginning in 2028, a change intended to give local election officials more time to administer elections and handle potential recounts. The legislation also updates campaign finance deadlines, adjusts signature requirements for independent statewide candidates, and designates February as a regular election date beyond presidential primaries. While municipal clerks from several communities testified in support, some lawmakers opposed and expressed concerns about voter access for seniors. The Senate separately passed bills shifting financial disclosure deadlines from May 15 to April 15 if the primary date changes, while the House advanced legislation limiting local millage and bond proposals to November ballots.

Election News

Gubernatorial Candidates Ramp up Advertising

Recent AdImpact data shows sharp contrasts in advertising strategies among Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial candidates. Republican candidate Perry Johnson leads all gubernatorial spending, investing nearly $12.7 million across broadcast, cable, streaming, and digital platforms. His largest share—about $8.1 million—went to broadcast TV. The pro‑Mike Duggan PAC Put Progress First has spent more than $8 million on broadcast ads statewide, with the heaviest emphasis in the Grand Rapids–Kalamazoo–Battle Creek, Flint–Saginaw–Bay City, and Lansing media markets. A Duggan‑aligned nonprofit has added more than $5 million in broadcast buys and over $1.5 million in streaming. Duggan’s campaign has separately invested nearly $920,000 in digital and social media advertising. Republican gubernatorial candidates Tom Leonard and Mike Cox have spent more modestly, with Leonard putting over $413,000 toward streaming ads and Cox spending around $86,000 on digital. On the Democratic side, Jocelyn Benson’s campaign has spent more than $72,000 on digital ads. Republican candidates Aric Nesbitt and Ralph Rebandt round out the field, spending relatively small amounts: Nesbitt with nearly $20,000 on digital ads and Rebandt with more than $10,000 on digital and $4,000 on broadcast.

On Point

Press Release: Fifth Circuit Denies FTC Stay – Expanded HSR Form Vacated, Old Rules Reinstated Immediately

Looking Ahead

Last week the Michigan Senate passed House Bill 5455 introduced by Representative Rylee Linting (R-27^th) by a vote of 102-2, it passed the Senate 29-0 earlier today. The bill would establish a process for physicians to become licensed in multiple states. This bill was a major priority for a range of healthcare stakeholders.  The bill would reenact the compact’s provisions and ensure that Michigan will remain a member of the compact beyond March 28, 2026. Allowing for doctors to become licensed in multiple states impacts approximately 3,600 doctors in Michigan.

Elimination of the sunset, which this bill does, there is an expanded opportunity for healthcare access in areas where challenges and barriers exist. Specific locations in Michigan heavily rely on the use of this compact to conduct services and the loss of it would have impacted their work and ability to treat patients.