Democrat Jocelyn Benson is talking affordability as she runs for governor. But voters keep asking about data centers — and her husband’s role at a company working to bring a massive one to Michigan.
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 Government
Gretchen Whitmer vetoes Democratic bills that Michigan House had blocked
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday vetoed nine bills fellow Democrats had approved in 2024. The move came hours after the state Supreme Court ordered House Republicans to send Whitmer the bills.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Republicans spar on AI, DEI in Michigan gubernatorial debate
John James fired back in a Republican gubernatorial debate with Mike Cox and Perry Johnson. Here are the facts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: GOP rivals attack John James in gubernatorial debate
Down in the polls, Mike Cox and Perry Johnson used a Republican gubernatorial debate to attack John James’ business and electoral records. Here are the facts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pete Buttigieg endorses Benson for Michigan governor, hints at White House run
The endorsement came during a campaign stop in Traverse City.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers pass $84B budget, 67 bills in marathon session
In a nearly 24-hour session that went through the night, Michigan lawmakers finalized a roughly $84 billion spending plan and approved dozens of policy bills.
Posted inMichigan Government
In blow to schools, Michigan officials miss July 1 budget deadline — again
Michigan officials were unable to finalize a budget agreement by the state’s July 1 deadline for the second year in a row, frustrating schools seeking funding certainty.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mystery group circulates health petitions — and attacks Republicans
As it circulates petitions to create citizen health care committees in six Michigan cities, a new group is also attacking Republican incumbents.
Posted inMichigan Government
Perry Johnson leads pack as spending tops $50M in Michigan governor race
Amid ‘exponential’ growth in election spending, more than $50 million has already poured into ads in the Michigan governor’s race. Nearly half of that came from self-funded Republican Perry Johnson.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump gives ‘total endorsement’ to John James in Michigan governor race
President Donald Trump backs Republican John James for Michigan governor, saying he has the “courage and wisdom” to deliver results.
