Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced she raised nearly $1.8 million in the first five weeks of the general election, her campaign's first money report since winning the Democratic nomination for governor last month.
In a press release, the campaign said the haul brings Benson’s total to more than $12.5 million since launch, with more than $5.9 million cash on hand. It reported over 92,000 individual contributions from all 83 Michigan counties, with 93% of donations at $100 or less and no corporate PAC money.
“(Congressman) John James is looking to Donald Trump and corporate donors to fuel his campaign,” Benson campaign manager Nikki Goldschein said in the release. “We're building ours with the people.”
James, Benson’s general-election opponent, reported $1.4 million on hand in his previous filing. He’s backed by a super PAC, Mission Michigan, which reported raising nearly $2.5 million in 2026 and holding $1.9 million.
Benson won the Aug. 4 primary with 83% of the vote over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who did not carry a single county. Republicans have not won a Michigan governor's race since 2014. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is term-limited.
(Photo: Jocelyn Benson, via Jocelyn Benson for Governor)