Benson Leads Michigan Governor Race as James Scrapes Grassroots Funding Amid Spending Gap

Three weeks before Michigan’s gubernatorial election, Democrat Jocelyn Benson enjoys a clear poll lead of seven to eight points and is gearing up for a massive TV advertising blitz funded at roughly $23 million, far outpacing Republican John James’s $1 million war chest. The Republican Governors Association has withdrawn most of its ad support, signaling a tough road for James, who now emphasizes grassroots tactics, press coverage and social media, and has highlighted cultural topics such as transgender athletes in school sports.

Transition planning is already underway for Benson, with former Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich coordinating meetings with prospective cabinet officials, while James’s team has only just begun a modest effort, insisting it will avoid lobbyists and insiders. Observers note parallels to the 2022 contest in which Tudor Dixon fell to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, raising concerns that the lack of top-ticket funding could affect down-ballot Republican candidates. Early voting numbers are high, leaving little time for James to close the gap before the final debate at WDIV-TV studios in Detroit.