Article written by the SBAM Policy Team for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
With 2026 officially underway, election season in Michigan has begun to ramp up to full steam. While fundraising numbers this far out from Election Day don’t tell a complete story, they can give an early look into which candidates are gaining momentum, and who is poised to make a jump in the polls.
Michigan’s Open US Senate Seat – Still a Tossup for Democrats
While current Congresswoman Haley Stevens led the field last quarter with $2.038 million raised, she was followed closely by Abdul El-Sayed ($1.77 million) and State Senator Mallory McMorrow ($1.73 million). This tightly clustered field shows that no candidate has definitively pulled ahead or consolidated support, setting the stage for a busy year of campaign stops before the August primary.
Meanwhile on the Republican side of the ticket, Mike Rogers reported raising $1.53 million last quarter and touts a substantial cash on hand advantage over all candidates in the race. His Republican primary opponents are far behind in fundraising and do not pose a substantial threat to Rogers eventually receiving the Republican nomination later this year.
The Race For Governor Continues to Heat Up
Mike Cox (R) currently leads all gubernatorial candidates in cash on hand, reporting approximately $4.1 million. This advantage is driven largely by Cox’ self-funding and gives the former Attorney General significant flexibility and staying power.
Current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) follows closely with roughly $3.55 million on hand after raising a field-leading $995,000 this quarter.
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (I) sits next with $2.65 million on hand and raised $644,000 this quarter.
John James (R) reported $839,000 raised this quarter and approximately $2.45 million in cash on hand, placing him just behind Duggan.
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) raised $336,000 this quarter and holds about $2.2 million on hand.
Former Speaker of the House Tom Leonard (R) raised $221,000 this quarter and holds about $700,000 cash on hand.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson reported $87,000 raised in the last quarter of the year with approximately $200,000 cash on hand.
As 2026 continues to unfold, candidates will continue to try and jockey for position – particularly in a Republican field that appears wide open. Notably absent from these reports is wealthy businessman and former gubernatorial and presidential candidate, Perry Johnson, who entered the Republican field last month and committed to spending $9 million in the span of 2 months, which is certain to change candidates’ strategies as primary day inches closer.
Click here for more News & Resources.