In the early days of Michigan’s 2026 governor’s race, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has amassed the largest campaign war chest so far.
“This historic haul shows that Michiganders are ready for Jocelyn Benson to be the next governor,” said Benson’s Campaign Manager Nikki Goldschein. Benson has brought in over $4.7 million for her campaign since launching it, more than any other candidate vying to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who cannot run again due to term limits. Benson’s fund includes over $570,000 she previously raised while running for secretary of state.
Gilchrist surpasses Swanson to narrow fundraising gap
Benson raised over $1.2 million in the most recent quarter for the fundraising period covering July 21 through Oct. 20. She ended with almost $3 million cash on hand.
After Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II raised over $350,000 during the latest fundraising period, bringing his total raised since launching his campaign to over $1.1 million and ended the reporting period with over $370,000 cash on hand. He has had less time to fundraise compared to the other major Democratic candidates, having launched his campaign later than his opponents. The previous campaign finance report showed him trailing the Democratic field.
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. “We know that Chris’ background, ideas and energy are going to win voters over who are looking for something different in their leaders,” said Swanson Campaign Manager Camilo Vilaseca in a statement.
Cox leads GOP pack with big boost from personal loan
Former Attorney General Mike Cox, who was the first major GOP candidate to enter the race, has so far brought in over $4.5 million for his campaign, with a big chunk of those funds coming from money he has lent his own campaign. The latest campaign finance report shows that he gave his campaign a $2 million loan, bringing the total he has lent his own campaign to over $3.5 million. He 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.
U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, brought in nearly $1.4 million during the most recent fundraising period, bringing his total haul to over $3.6 million since he began his campaign. He ended the period with nearly $2.3 million cash on hand. “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 statement vowing “to grind for the next year to earn your support.”
Ralph Rebandt, a former pastor who ran for governor in 2022, brought in nearly $930,000 during the fundraising period with the vast majority of those funds coming from the over $800,000 he has lent his own campaign. He ended the period with over $880,000 cash on hand.
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, raised over $420,000 during that most recent fundraising period, bringing his total raised since beginning his campaign to over $2.7 million. He was the first major GOP candidate to enter the race. He had over $2.1 million cash on hand as of Oct. 20.
Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, brought in over $290,000 during the most recent fundraising period. That brings the total raised so far to over $930,000. He ended the most recent fundraising period with over $700,000 cash on hand. Leonard lent his own campaign money, giving himself $105,000.
Mayor Duggan’s independent bid maintains money momentum
Duggan raised over $1.1 million for his bid to be Michigan’s first independent governor during the most recent fundraising quarter, bringing his total raised so far over $4.3 million. He ended the quarter with over $2.4 million cash on hand.
Duggan’s strong fundraising performance in the previous reporting period that ended July 20 showed his unprecedented campaign to be financially competitive. Still, he saw room for growth. “I have to get better at raising nationally,” Duggan told the Detroit Free Press in July.
In an Oct. 27 statement touting his latest fundraising numbers, he championed his in-state support. “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,” Duggan said.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Benson, Cox lead primary fundraising; Duggan continues money momentum
Reporting by Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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