Jocelyn Benson and Democrats will have full control of all branches of government starting Jan. 1. Expect her to try to score early victories and face economic realities.
Simon D. Schuster
Simon D. Schuster covers Michigan politics, campaign finance and government accountability for Bridge Michigan. He joined Bridge in 2024 after working as MLive's senior political reporter and on its investigative team, and previously spent three years as executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, tracking the influence of political money in Michigan. A Michigan native, Simon holds a bachelor's degree and a master of public policy from Michigan State University.
Simon is based in Lansing. When he's not working, you'll find him in Detroit, backpacking northern Michigan or visiting his fiancée in Scandinavia.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Jocelyn Benson beats John James in Michigan governor’s race
Democrat Jocelyn Benson wins Michigan governor’s race and will replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
From Trump Country to Detroit: What to watch as Michigan votes
These are the regions, trends and races to watch as Michigan election results come in on Tuesday night.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Jocelyn Benson vs. John James: What to know the Michigan governor’s race
Your guide to the Michigan governor’s race: Bios, key stances, disagreements and controversies surrounding the candidates seeking to succeed Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Panel: No silver bullet for housing, but Michigan policymakers have to act
A panel of experts at Bridge Michigan’s inaugural Issues Summit said the state’s leaders spend a lot of time talking about housing but do little to address it.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Musk, Bloomberg help fuel late funding surge in Michigan governor’s race
Billionaire donors, corporations and special interests are pumping late money into the Michigan gubernatorial race between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Jocelyn Benson, John James say Michigan needs change. Agreements end there
Jocelyn Benson and John James are making closing arguments in the governor’s race. But another figure looms large: ‘Voters are all making their decision based on Donald Trump,’ said a Michigan pollster.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Fact checks, takeaways: Donald Trump rips Dems, downplays gas prices in Michigan
Donald Trump made bold claims about Democrats Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson Sunday. Here are the facts.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Late $1.8M surge for John James tests Michigan campaign finance law
With a DeVos assist, Michigan GOP pumps $1.8 million into John James’ campaign in final weeks of the gubernatorial race. Democrats say it violates state law.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
‘Please, I need a clerk!’ No candidates for almost 500 positions on Michigan ballots
Low pay and public criticism makes local government jobs less appealing than in the past, officials say.
