Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has the lead in the fundraising battle among Michigan gubernatorial candidates seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Candidates for governor are gearing up ahead of the turn of the new year when a new governor, attorney general and secretary of state will be elected.
Benson’s campaign brought in over $1.2 million in the most recent fundraising period from July 21 through Oct. 20. She ended with almost $3 million cash on hand.
“Jocelyn Benson has built her campaign with the steadfast support of teachers, nurses, service workers, and many others who are tired of politicians ignoring the most pressing issues facing working families,” Benson Campaign Manager Nikki Goldschein said in a statement.
The Republican with the biggest haul is former Attorney General Mike Cox, the first major GOP candidate to enter the race, who has raised over $4.5 million for his campaign, lending his campaign over $3.5 million in total.
Cox ended the fundraising period with nearly $3.8 million cash on hand.
“We’re building the team, we’re doing the work, we have the resources — and we’re going to win this campaign,” said Cox in a statement.
Cox has called for eliminating the state income tax and restoring the state’s recently repealed right to work laws allowing workers to opt-out of paying union dues.
Behind Cox is U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, who posted nearly $1.4 million during the latest reporting period. He’s collected more than $3.6 million in total, with almost $2.3 left in his war chest.
“While we are encouraged by the early and sustained grassroots support of our campaign, indicated by our consistently strong fundraising and poll numbers, I learned in combat and in business that complacency kills,” James said in a press statement.
James announced he would be absent from the first of three debates among the 2026 Republican candidates for Michigan governor. The first taking place Wednesday at Apple Valley Events in Sparta will take place without him, according to organizers.
Ralph Rebandt, a former pastor who ran for governor in 2022, secured over $900,000 after lending himself more than $800,000, campaign finance records show. He has more than $880,000 cash on hand.
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, brought in more than $420,000 during the most recent reporting period, with $2.1 million cash on hand.
Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, raised over $290,000 during the most recent fundraising period, raising more than $930,000. He’s got more than $700,000 in his war chest.
Democrat Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who began his campaign later than his opponents, raised over $350,000 during the latest fundraising period. He’s raised more than $1.1 million and ended the reporting period, with over $370,000 cash on hand.
Gilchrist recently received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson brought in over $290,000 during the most recent fundraising period. So far during his campaign, he has raised over $1.3 million. He ended the period with over $380,000 cash on hand.
Independent candidate for Governor Mike Duggan raised more than $1.17 million in the third quarter of 2025, “a clear sign of growing support for his independent run,” his campaign spokesperson Andrea Bitely said.
Duggan ends the year with more than $2.46 million cash on hand.
“The numbers tell the story,” said Duggan. “I’m running for Governor of Michigan — and that’s where my support is coming from. While the other candidates are flying around the country chasing national donors, we’re building a campaign powered by people right here in Michigan.”
This week, Duggan is doubling down on his promise to punish poor performing school districts in his education plan, saying he would invest $4.5 billion to “transform our schools—without raising taxes—by cutting state spending by 2%.”
Duggan’s campaign says it would force failing schools to develop a credible and comprehensive improvement plan that explains how they’re going to improve student outcomes. If there isn’t improvement, their principles or superintendents would be fired.
