LANSING, Mich. — Democrat Jocelyn Benson brought in more money than Republican John James over the last stretch of reporting in the race for Michigan governor, but James heads into the final days with the bigger bank account, according to pre-general election campaign finance statements filed Friday, Oct. 23.
The reports cover Aug. 25 through Oct. 18. Benson, the secretary of state from Detroit, reported raising more than $4.1 million in that window, while James, a Shelby Township congressman, listed more than $3.9 million.
Over the full campaign, Benson has raised close to $16.7 million. James has raised more than $12.4 million, a figure that does not count over $700,000 in public funds. Even so, James had roughly $1.2 million on hand at the close of the period, compared with a little over $680,000 for Benson.
The filings also show Benson has raised more than $233,000 at several California fundraisers and has hosted dozens of out-of-state events, compared with three for James. The filings also list a $1.8 million in-kind contribution to the James campaign on Oct. 16 from the Michigan Republican Party, covering media placement and production.
More disclosures are coming before Election Day on Nov. 3. Under state rules, candidates on the November ballot must file a late contribution report within 48 hours for any gift of $500 or more received from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31. State-level political action committees face the same two-day rule for gifts of $2,500 or more from Oct. 21 through Oct. 31.
After the election, every candidate on the ballot, winner or loser, must file a post-general statement. Its books close Monday, Nov. 23, and since that report lands in December, it doubles as the committee’s 2026 annual statement.
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