Money from undisclosed sources and the ultrawealthy made up the largest chunks of Michigan political spending in 2024 elections.
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
Michigan transparency plans die again, keeping public in the dark
Michigan is one of only two states in the nation that fully exempts its governor and Legislature from public records requests. That won’t change after majority Democrats fail to finalize a plan by the end of the two-year session.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dems go it alone in Michigan House, where chaotic meeting ends in lame-duck limbo
After GOP walkout, Michigan House Democrats pass slew of bills to regulate book bans, simplify gender changes on state IDs and more – before a Democratic departure forces an abrupt adjournment.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republicans walk out of Michigan House, demand action on tipped wage and sick leave laws
In a dramatic exchange, House Republicans walked off the floor. Democrats proceeded to approve bills to deter “sextortion.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Gun reforms among measures approved in marathon Michigan lame-duck meetings
Michigan Democrats approved “ghost gun” and bump stock bans, but several other major packages are in limbo with few voting days left.
Posted inMichigan Government
Four years after George Floyd, Michigan lawmakers push police reforms in lame-duck
Plans would give police a ‘duty to intervene’ if a colleague uses excessive force, restrict no-knock warrants and require more extensive background checks for new officers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans to push constitutional amendment requiring ID to vote
Proponents say IDs improve security. Foes say requirements target minorities. The GOP wants to ask voters whether they should be required.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House battle was most expensive ever. Dems spent big, GOP won anyway
A record $67 million was spent in this year’s battle for the Michigan House – much of it by Democrats, who still lost their majority to Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Government
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan upends Michigan governor race with independent campaign
Three-term Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced his campaign for governor as an independent Wednesday morning. His candidacy could leave Democrats with some agonizing decisions to make.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats grow wish lists for last month of full control. What to expect
Poised to lose control of the Michigan House, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and fellow Democrats are pushing economic development, firearm and criminal justice reforms in the final weeks of 2024.