Michigan GovernorS Race: James’ Fundraising Raises Concerns Amidst Strong Democratic Numbers
Lansing, MI – Republican Congressman John James, who announced his bid for Michigan governor in April, has reported raising $2.2 million with $1.85 million cash on hand. However, a significant portion of this total, approximately $750,000, was transferred from his congressional account. Adding to his campaign’s financial backing, the DeVos family reportedly transferred $5 million to a political action committee supporting James earlier this year.
Despite this substantial influx from the DeVos family,some Republican strategists express concern over James’ overall fundraising performance. “The ship does need to be righted here,” commented one strategist, suggesting that James’ fundraising numbers are not indicative of a winning statewide campaign. This sentiment could increase pressure on James to withdraw from the race, notably as prominent Michigan Republicans have publicly discouraged incumbent U.S. House members from pursuing other offices.
James, however, remains confident, stating in a recent press release that he is humbled by donor support and believes he is the only candidate capable of defeating Democratic contenders Gretchen whitmer and Jocelyn Benson. “We have a clear vision and in just three months are quickly building the resources necessary to accomplish the mission of restoring the american Dream for every Michigander,” James asserted.
On the Democratic side, incumbent Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who launched his campaign in March, reported raising approximately $768,000 and has $312,000 on hand. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who announced his candidacy in February, stated he raised $1 million with roughly $468,000 on hand, including nearly $183,000 transferred from his sheriff campaign account.Among Republican contenders, former House Speaker Tom Leonard, who entered the race in mid-June, reported raising $646,000, with nearly $463,000 of that amount transferred from a previous fundraising account. Former Attorney General Mike Cox has raised nearly $1.4 million and has approximately $1.9 million in cash on hand. Cox’s recent fundraising includes a $500,000 loan from himself to the campaign and $83,250 from a Cox leadership PAC, in addition to his prior personal investment of about $1 million.
