Simon D. Schuster
Verified
As seen in:
Bridge Michigan,
MSN,
The Washington Post,
Associated Press,
Chicago Tribune,
SFGate,
Chron,
Flipboard,
The Seattle Times,
Baltimore Sun,
National Post
and
MI politics, policy and the 2026 gov race @BridgeMichigan. Not a publisher. 📧: sschuster@bridgemi.com or text me: (517) 247-4949
Articles by Simon D. Schuster
West Michigan Archives - Bridge Michigan
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch Michigan has just two monitors for the entire Upper Peninsula and no monitors north of Frankfort in the Lower Peninsula. Posted inMichigan Environment Watch Town leaders say they’re powerless to stop data centers from moving in. And residents who’ve tried to recall officials over data center votes have struggled to get those efforts on the ballot.
Jocelyn Benson picks Winnie Brinks as running mate in Michigan governor race
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here. Democrat Jocelyn Benson picks state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate and potential lieutenant governor Brinks led the Senate since 2023 and oversaw a flurry of new laws during Democratic control of state government.
Benson picks Brinks as running mate in Michigan governor race
(This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.) GRAND RAPIDS -- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson has selected Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids as her running mate and potential lieutenant governor, she announced Wednesday.
Jocelyn Benson picks Winnie Brinks as running mate in Michigan governor race
Democrat Jocelyn Benson picks state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate and potential lieutenant governor Brinks led the Senate since 2023 and oversaw a flurry of new laws during Democratic control of state government. Republican candidate John James selected state Rep.
Jocelyn Benson picks Winnie Brinks as running mate in Michigan governor race Original
Democrat Jocelyn Benson picks state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate and potential lieutenant governor Brinks led the Senate since 2023 and oversaw a flurry of new laws during Democratic control of state government. Republican candidate John James selected state Rep.
Fact check: Republicans tie Jocelyn Benson to criminal case involving KKK
Republicans are attacking Jocelyn Benson for ties to the recently indicted Southern Poverty Law Center Benson served on the nonprofit’s board of directors and worked briefly for the organization But Benson is not mentioned in the federal indictment, and prosecutors have not yet proven the group broke any laws Michigan Republicans are highlighting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson’s connections to a civil-rights nonprofit facing criminal charges under President Donald Trump’s...
Can Abdul El-Sayed unite Dems? He has work to do with Black, Jewish voters
Abdul El-Sayed hopes to create a ‘big tent’ where people who disagree with some of his policies can back him Skepticism remains among Black and Jewish voters, including Attorney General Dana Nessel who wants El-Sayed to ‘tone down the rhetoric’ Republican candidate Mike Rogers sees an opening DETROIT — Democratic leaders who typically have resisted progressive policies are suddenly singing a different tune now that Abdul El-Sayed is their nominee for US Senate.
Can Abdul El-Sayed unite Dems? He has work to do with Black, Jewish voters
Abdul El-Sayed hopes to create a ‘big tent’ where people who disagree with some of his policies can back his candidacy Skepticism remains among Black and Jewish voters, who favored his opponent Haley Stevens Republican candidate Mike Rogers sees an opening DETROIT — Democratic leaders who typically have resisted progressive policies are suddenly singing a different tune now that Abdul El-Sayed is their nominee for US Senate.
Jocelyn Benson, John James race may be eclipsed by interest in Senate campaign
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while US Rep.
John James wins Republican primary for Michigan governor over Perry Johnson
LANSING — Surviving a barrage of advertising and attacks from self-funded businessman Perry Johnson, US Rep. John James won Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial nomination on Tuesday evening. In a victory speech, James promised to “work every single day” to earn the trust of more voters as he heads to the general election.
Jocelyn Benson wins Michigan Democratic governor primary
This story also appeared in Bridge Michigan LANSING — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won Michigan’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday night, advancing to the general election as she seeks to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The Associated Press called the race for Benson at 9 p.m., projecting her win over Democratic rival Chris Swanson. With about 16% of the estimated votes counted, Benson led with nearly 85% of the Democratic primary vote.
Michigan Democratic governor primary results: Jocelyn Benson, Chris Swanson
LANSING — After months of campaigning by Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, Michiganders will soon see who leads the Democratic ticket to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Election Day polls closed Tuesday at 8 p.m. across most of Michigan, although voting continued in four counties in the western Upper Peninsula that are in the central time zone.
Michigan Republican governor primary results: John James, Perry Johnson
LANSING — Michiganders will soon find out whether a self-funded candidate’s massive spending can overcome a coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump. Businessman Perry Johnson is seeking an upset over US Rep. John James in Michigan’s Republican primary for governor. Polls closed Tuesday at 8 p.m. across most of Michigan, although voting continued in four counties in the western Upper Peninsula that are in the central time zone.
Michigan primary: 7 things to watch in US Senate, governor, other elections
Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election will decide nominees for US Senate, governor, Congress and more Outcomes will hinge on turnout from key voting blocs and show whether millions in outside spending made a difference Local races of interest include two competitive US House primaries, a slew of tax hike requests and a data center vote LANSING — A Senate primary face-off that’s captivated the nation. A wide-open race for governor.
Michigan primary: 7 things to watch in races for U.S. Senate, governor and more
Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election will decide nominees for US Senate, governor, Congress and more Outcomes will hinge on turnout from key voting blocs and show whether millions in outside spending made a difference Local races of interest include two competitive US House primaries, a slew of tax hike requests and a data center vote LANSING — A Senate primary face-off that’s captivated the nation. A wide-open race for governor.
Sports gambling super PACs place big bets on Michigan legislative races
Super PACs funded by online sports betting giants have spent nearly $3 million on Michigan legislative primaries in July Most of the spending has benefited current lawmakers and followed rejection of a proposed gambling tax One state lawmaker targeted with negative ads compared the sports betting groups to “demons” attacking him LANSING — Super PACs funded by some of the country’s largest sports betting companies spent nearly $3 million on 15 Michigan legislative races in the past month,...
Sports gambling super PACs place big bets on Michigan legislative races
Super PACs funded by online sports betting giants have spent nearly $3 million on Michigan legislative primaries in July Most of the spending has benefited current lawmakers and followed rejection of a proposed gambling tax One state lawmaker targeted with negative ads compared the sports betting groups to “demons” attacking him LANSING — Super PACs funded by some of the country’s largest sports betting companies spent nearly $3 million on 15 Michigan legislative races in the past month,...
MAGA minus Trump: Perry Johnson’s $30M gamble on Michigan governor race
Governor hopeful Perry Johnson working to win over MAGA Republicans even after President Donald Trump endorsed his rival Johnson’s policy platform is an ode to Trump, with a $4,747 tax cut plan he claims he’ll pay for with a ‘MEGA audit‘ The wealth businessman has spent more than $30 million on his campaign, a record amount for a gubernatorial primary MILFORD — Less than three miles from President Donald Trump’s rally at the GM Proving Ground on Monday, the food and booze was flowing freely.
Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Sign up for a free newsletter here.
Fact check: President Trump says Michigan ‘thriving,’ auto industry ‘back’
President Donald Trump and Republican candidates rallied at the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford Trump touted the economy, which he claimed has entered a ‘golden age’ The event came ahead of a crucial midterm election where the economy and Trump’s record will be central issues MILFORD — “Michigan is thriving” and “America is winning like never before,” President Donald Trump claimed Monday in a campaign-style rally at the General Motors Proving Ground in metro Detroit.
In their own words: Michigan governor candidate on voting rules, democracy
Michigan gubernatorial candidates told Bridge Michigan what election, voting and government transparency laws they’d like to change Those topics were identified Bridge Listens, an election-year survey of the state’s biggest issues, according to Bridge Michigan readers Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 300 words Michigan gubernatorial candidates are laying out plans to reform elections, improve government transparency and limit the influence of money in politics.
Bridge Listens: How Michigan’s next governor would change elections, transparency
The future of democracy is a top issue for Bridge Michigan readers this election year All four gubernatorial candidates from both major parties responded to related Bridge questions The candidates laid out plans to improve confidence in elections, government transparency and more Michigan gubernatorial candidates from both major political parties say they’d work to expand public access to government records and limit the influence of money in Lansing, but they are divided along partisan lines...
Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors
Republican businessman Perry Johnson has spent nearly $30 million in his bid to be Michigan’s next governor Democrat Jocelyn Benson led fundraising with $5 million in donations, including big union money, and a $6.4 million war chest John James’s GOP campaign and an allied super PAC had a combined $3.2 million in the bank, thanks in part to DeVos donations Businessman Perry Johnson has poured nearly $30 million of his own money into his quest to become Michigan’s next governor.
Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors
Republican businessman Perry Johnson has spent nearly $30 million in his bid to be Michigan’s next governor Democrat Jocelyn Benson led fundraising with $5 million in donations, including big union money, and a $6.4 million war chest John James’s GOP campaign and an allied super PAC had a combined $3.2 million in the bank, thanks in part to DeVos donations Businessman Perry Johnson has poured nearly $30 million of his own money into his quest to become Michigan’s next governor.
Pro-Stevens groups erase El-Sayed fundraising edge in Michigan Senate race
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed outraised rival Haley Stevens in the first two weeks of July, reporting $2.3 million in contributions Campaign spending in the US Senate race has been dwarfed by super PACs, which are pouring money into ads to boost Stevens The latest disclosure reports come with less than two weeks until Michigan’s Aug.
Mystery group circulates health petitions — and attacks Republicans
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here. LANSING — A nonprofit with unknown financial backing is fanning out across six Michigan cities with petitions to change local charters — and give elected officials an earful on health care, a key election-year issue.
Fact check: Is John James backed by data center developers?
Perry Johnson accused John James of taking more than $145,000 from interests that stand to profit from data centers Campaign finance records show his claims are mostly true, although imprecise Most of the donations James received were to his federal campaigns, well before his gubernatorial run In a new two-minute ad, GOP gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson attacks primary rival and US Rep. John James for alleged ties to data center developers, including political donations.
Mike Cox drops out of Michigan governor race, endorses John James
Former attorney general Mike Cox is ending his campaign for Michigan governor and backing US Rep. John James, his campaign announced Friday evening. Cox said President Donald Trump's endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory. "While I did not fully appreciate it then, that endorsement placed him out of reach in a three-way Republican primary race," Cox said in a statement.
Cox drops out of GOP primary for Michigan governor and endorses James
(This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.) Former attorney general Mike Cox is ending his campaign for Michigan governor and backing U.S. Rep. John James, his campaign announced Friday evening. Cox said President Donald Trump's endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory.
Mike Cox drops out of Michigan governor race, endorses John James
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Mike Cox ends his campaign for Michigan governor, throwing his support to John James Cox said President Donald Trump’s endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory Only James and Perry Johnson remain in what had been a crowded GOP field Former attorney general Mike Cox is ending his campaign for Michigan governor and backing US Rep.
Cox drops out of Michigan governor race, endorses John James Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Sign up for a free newsletter here.
Abdul El-Sayed outraises Haley Stevens, but super PACs dominate Senate race
Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed more than doubled primary rival Haley Stevens’ fundraising over the last three months Stevens has had close to $30 million in outside spending to boost her campaign, dwarfing support for El-Sayed Candidates in all federal races were required to disclose donors and spending this week ahead of the Aug.
Jocelyn Benson: ‘None of my family is profiting from data centers’
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson recently embarked on an affordability tour, but repeatedly fielded questions on data centers Benson’s husband works for a company bringing a data center to Michigan but recently changed rolls Democratic rival Chris Swanson has run a notably positive campaign but has needled Benson on the data center connection SUTTONS BAY — As she runs for governor, Jocelyn Benson is visiting small farms, jam shops and breweries to tout plans to lower costs for...
Jocelyn Benson: ‘None of my family is profiting from data centers’
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson recently embarked on an affordability tour, but repeatedly fielded questions on data centers Benson’s husband works for a company bringing a data center to Michigan but recently changed rolls Democratic rival Chris Swanson has run a notably positive campaign but has needled Benson on the data center connection SUTTONS BAY — As she runs for governor, Jocelyn Benson is visiting small farms, jam shops and breweries to tout plans to lower costs for...
Michigan House must send blocked bills to Whitmer as Supremes decline appeal
Michigan Supreme Court rules in favor of Democrats in dispute over bills approved in 2024 but not sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Democrats had approved the bills but did not transmit them before the GOP took over the House in January 2025. The Senate had sued the House over the holdup LANSING — Michigan’s Republican-led House will have to send nine long-delayed bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for potential signature after the state Supreme Court declined to take up a GOP appeal.
Fact check: Republicans spar on AI, DEI in Michigan gubernatorial debate
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here (https://bit.ly/BridgeMichiganNewsletter).
Fact check: Republicans spar on AI, DEI in Michigan gubernatorial debate
For the second time in as many nights, Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidates traded attacks in a Thursday debate Data Centers, AI, DEI and affordability were all on the table as the candidates exchanged views and barbs The winner of the Aug. 4 primary will face the Democratic nominee in the November election GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidates traded accusations of data center donor influence, “woke” policies and more in another fiery debate on Thursday night.
Fact check: GOP rivals attack John James in gubernatorial debate
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here (https://bit.ly/BridgeMichiganNewsletter). For the first time in 2026 race, all Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidates shared the stage for a televised debate Candidates traded attacks on each other’s business records and political careers The winner of the Aug.
Fact check: GOP rivals attack John James in gubernatorial debate
For the first time in 2026 race, all Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidates shared the stage for a televised debate Candidates traded attacks on each other’s business records and political careers The winner of the Aug. 4 primary will face the Democratic nominee in the November election SOUTHFIELD — US Rep. John James attempted to fend off a barrage of attacks Wednesday night in a Republican gubernatorial debate dominated by squabbles over political careers and business records.
Pete Buttigieg endorses Benson for Michigan governor, hints at White House run
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here. Pete Buttigieg endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson on Monday while hinting at his own future. Buttigieg, the former secretary of transportation under President Joe Biden, moved to the Traverse City area with his family in 2022.
Pete Buttigieg endorses Benson for Michigan governor, hints at White House run
Pete Buttigieg endorsed fellow Democrat Jocelyn Benson for governor Buttigieg hinted his own potential presidential aspirations in Traverse City event Benson is facing Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary TRAVERSE CITY — Pete Buttigieg endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson on Monday while hinting at his own future. Buttigieg, the former secretary of transportation under President Joe Biden, moved to the Traverse City area with his family in 2022.
Michigan lawmakers pass $84B budget, 67 bills in marathon session
After missing budget deadline, Michigan Legislature works through the night to finalize a new $84 billion spending plan Lawmakers also sent more than three dozen policy bills to Gov.
In blow to schools, Michigan officials miss July 1 budget deadline — again
This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan (bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter here (https://bit.ly/BridgeMichiganNewsletter). For the second year in a row, Michigan lawmakers failed to pass a state budget by a July 1 deadline written into state law Legislative leaders and Gov.
In blow to schools, Michigan officials miss July 1 budget deadline — again Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This story was originally published by BridgeMichigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Sign up for a free BridgeMichigan newsletter here. For the second year in a row, Michigan lawmakers failed to pass a state budget by a July 1 deadline written into state law Legislative leaders and Gov.
In blow to schools, Michigan officials miss July 1 budget deadline — again
For the second year in a row, Michigan lawmakers failed to pass a state budget by a July 1 deadline written into state law Legislative leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office continue to negotiate, with votes possible Thursday or Friday At the same time, legislators remain optimistic spending bills can be finalized before the looming July 4 holiday LANSING — Another year, another missed budget deadline for the Michigan Legislature after lawmakers and Gov.
Mystery group circulates health petitions — and attacks Republicans
A nonprofit with undisclosed backing wants to change city charters in six Michigan cities to create advisory health care committees In the process of collecting petition signatures, the group is also attacking Republican lawmakers seeking re-election City governments haven’t heard from the organization, Community Action Michigan, about the efforts LANSING — A nonprofit with unknown financial backing is fanning out across six Michigan cities with petitions to change local charters — and give...
Johnson leads pack as spending tops $50M in Michigan governor race
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This story was originally published by BridgeMichigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Sign up for a free BridgeMichigan newsletter here.
In their words: How Michigan governor candidates would build the state economy
Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates say how they’d increase affordability, bring down housing costs and more Topics included affordability, economic development, taxes, housing, diversification and population Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 300 words The cost of living, from housing to gasoline, is primed to be a pivotal election issue this fall. And Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates have sweeping but strikingly different plans for how to address it.
Perry Johnson leads pack as spending tops $50M in Michigan governor race
Michigan is on track for a historically expensive gubernatorial election Candidates and outside groups have already spent more than $50 million on ads in the race GOP businessman Perry Johnson’s self-funded campaign accounts for nearly half of that spending Michigan gubernatorial candidates and outside groups have already spent more than $50 million on advertising this year — and self-funded businessman Perry Johnson accounts for nearly half of that, according to new data.
Trump gives ‘total endorsement’ to John James in Michigan governor race
President Donald Trump backs US Rep. John James for Michigan governor James faces three other Republicans in Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election Trump said James has ‘courage and wisdom’ to deliver results in Michigan President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican US Rep. John James to be Michigan’s next governor.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Simon D.
Contact Simon D., search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack