Michigan Braces for a Pivotal Election Year and Record-Breaking Spending

2026 Election: Michigan gubernatorial candidates, top from left: Jocelyn Benson, Mike Cox, Mike Duggan, Garlin Gilchrist, Anthony Hudson. Bottom from left: John James, Tom Leonard, Aric Nesbitt, Ralph Rebandt, Chris Swanson. (Associated Press, Bridge and courtesy photos)

LANSING — With the start of the new year, the state is preparing for a politically charged year, headlined by elections next fall widely expected to be the most expensive in Michigan’s history. That expectation is driven not only by fierce competition for open statewide offices, but also by the elections’ decisive role in shaping the next legislative majority in the U.S. Congress.