Sports betting companies pumped nearly $3 million into Michigan legislative races this month. The spending mostly benefited current lawmakers and followed rejection of a proposed gambling tax.
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
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on taxes, housing, affordability
Gubernatorial candidates say they have big plans to cut costs for Michiganders. How would they pull it off?
Posted inMichigan Government
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on health care costs, access
Michigan’s next governor has no shortage of health care issues to grapple with. What candidates say they’ll do on costs, access and more.
Posted inMichigan Government
MAGA minus Trump: Perry Johnson’s $30M gamble on Michigan governor race
Perry Johnson is running for Michigan governor as a MAGA Republican. Can he overcome President Donald Trump’s endorsement of his rival?
Posted inMichigan Government
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on data centers, the environment
How would Jocelyn Benson and John James protect the Great Lakes? How would they approach data centers, climate change and energy policy?
Posted inMichigan Government, Talent & Education
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on schools, literacy
Candidates have made bold promises to address dismal reading scores and fix schools across the state. Are they realistic?
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: President Trump says Michigan ‘thriving,’ auto industry ‘back’
In a campaign-style rally, President Donald Trump touted Michigan’s economy and its auto industry. Jobs data paints a more sobering picture.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bridge Listens: How Michigan’s next governor would change elections, transparency
From voter ID to government transparency reforms, Michigan gubernatorial candidates told Bridge how they’d like to change rules related to the democratic process.
Posted inMichigan Government
In their own words: Michigan governor candidate on voting rules, democracy
Michigan gubernatorial candidates tell Bridge how they’d try to improve confidence in elections and government.
Posted inMichigan Government
Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors
The DeVos family, unions and Perry Johnson are spending big in Michigan’s gubernatorial race ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. See how.