Mid-May 2026 Newsletter

James, Johnson campaigns fire signature challenges at each other

The feud between U.S. Rep. John James and Perry Johnson in the Republican gubernatorial primary continues with challenges against both campaigns' signature submissions submitted to the Bureau of Elections this week.

Thursday was the final day to turn in signature challenges against petitions to make the August ballot amid controversy in Republican spheres on who should oversee the process, raising concerns on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's role in the process while running for governor as well. Benson released a firewall plan for all electoral processes in her department for the gubernatorial field this week.

The Mission Michigan PAC, backed by Dan and Pamela DeVos for James, R-Shelby Township, filed a challenge against Johnson's petitions, suggesting an "unfortunate repeat of Johnson's conduct during the 2022 election," in which he was disqualified from the ballot for fraudulent signatures.

The complaint claims "extensive irregularities, including hundreds of duplicate signatures, signature errors, obvious forgeries, numerous jurisdictional issues, and the use of many of the same petition circulators known to have participated in previous illicit petition activities." If a candidate knowingly hires circulators with a history of fraudulent activity, it could lead to disqualification.

The complaint cites many sheets and entries that have nearly identical handwriting as well as other sheets that contain blank lines, suggesting a round-tabling strategy of passing around sheets to a group of signers.

Some of the exhibits include different handwriting for the same people, same signatures on multiple petitions and different last names and spelling for husband and wife despite being listed at the same address.

Two of Johnson's circulators, Robert Harris and Brigette Hawkins, are also on the Bureau of Election's Fraud Watch List, the complaint alleges.

Johnson told reporters when turning in signatures he had around 29,000. The maximum number of signatures a candidate needs to appear on the ballot is 15,000. The complaint alleges that based on their findings, the total number of signatures falls to 14,550.

"Given Johnson's history of fraudulent activity regarding the collection of signatures for the Michigan gubernatorial race, the failures listed above suggest not only that Johnson has again committed fraud but that he did so intentionally and knowingly," the challenge said.

Johnson said in a statement responding to the claims that they are still extremely confident they would be on the ballot, calling the challenge weak and nonsense.

"Their campaign is obviously deflecting because they have many serious issues with his own staff's direct involvement with petition problems and dropping poll numbers," Johnson said in a statement. "Meanwhile, James continues to spend more time and energy on my petitions and internal process items than actually showing up to debates and presenting voters anything resembling an actual plan or vision for Michigan."

He also emphasized there is another debate in Ottawa County tonight, where James will not be in attendance, following suit that he would not be participating in debates until the field is set. James will attend a May 16 debate with the Christian Homeschool Network in Lansing and has announced participation in two televised debates in July.

The complaint against the James campaign, on behalf of Glenn Clark, includes claims there were signatures from dead people, which Clark claims suggests the James campaign was using an older version of the Qualified Voter File to generate fake signatures.

From one of James' circulators, Tyler Foti, a paid staff member, the challenge says, their petitions appear to have a wide variety of different signatures used by someone signing the affidavits, claiming it represents "the collection of petition sheets by unknown sources and the circulator's name being later added by unknown parties." The challenge suggests all petitions signed by him should be invalidated.

Other handwriting concerns come from distinct number writing, including "crazy 5s."

Another complaint comes from a voter, Kimberly Shapp, who claims she did not sign a petition in Barry County, but ended up on the petition.

Both the complaints include a handful of voters who say they did not sign petitions.

Jackson Gross, James' campaign manager, said in a statement that the challenge from Johnson "isn't serious" and that "rather than answer for his own track record, Perry is once again trying to manufacture distractions."

"He was thrown off the 2022 gubernatorial ballot because of his campaign's fraud, and now, based on multiple challenges to his current petitions, it looks like the self-proclaimed quality guru is again struggling to make the ballot," Jackson said on the campaign's own challenge.

The Bureau of Elections in the coming weeks will release staff reports with recommendations on gubernatorial candidates' ballot access. Currently, the next scheduled meeting of the Board of State Canvassers  is scheduled for May 28.

Michigan Voters Largely Back School Bond and Millage Proposals in May Election

Michigan voters approved the majority of school bond and millage proposals appearing on ballots across the state during last Tuesday’s election, signaling continued public support for investments in school facilities, infrastructure, and operating funding.

Districts seeking support for building improvements, safety upgrades, technology modernization, and long-term maintenance projects saw generally positive results at the polls. The outcomes reflect a trend that has continued in recent election cycles, with many communities showing a willingness to fund local education priorities despite broader economic concerns.

Several districts secured approval for significant capital improvement plans that will allow schools to move forward with renovations, classroom upgrades, transportation improvements, and security enhancements. In many cases, school leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure and avoiding more costly repairs in the future.

At the same time, a handful of proposals failed to gain voter approval. In Midland County, Meridian Public Schools voters rejected a nearly $20 million bond proposal that would have extended the district’s debt levy through 2042. Cass City Public Schools saw its $10 million bond proposal fail by a single vote, underscoring how closely divided some communities remain on tax and funding questions. Chippewa Hills School District voters also turned down a nearly $40 million bond request.

In addition to bond proposals, many operating millages and sinking fund requests were approved. These measures are often critical for maintaining day-to-day district operations, preserving programming, and funding smaller-scale facility repairs and equipment purchases.

The election results highlight the continued importance of local ballot initiatives in shaping school funding across Michigan. While statewide education funding debates continue in Lansing, local voters remain a key driver of school infrastructure investment and operational support within their communities.

For school districts, municipalities, and community stakeholders, the May election serves as another indicator that voters are generally receptive to education-related funding requests when proposals are clearly tied to facility needs, student safety, and long-term community benefits.

Nessel Files Criminal Charges in High-Profile $20 Million Earmark Investigation

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed criminal charges against metro Detroit businesswoman Fay Beydoun in connection with an ongoing investigation into a controversial $20 million state earmark approved through the Michigan budget process.

According to prosecutors, Beydoun faces 16 felony charges tied to allegations that state grant funds intended to support an international business accelerator were improperly used for personal expenses and unrelated expenditures. The investigation centers on funding awarded Global Link International, a nonprofit organization Beydoun created that was intended to attract international startup businesses to Michigan. 

Attorney General Nessel’s office alleges Beydoun operated a “criminal enterprise” and submitted fraudulent documentation regarding the use of grant funds. Charges include conducting a criminal enterprise, forgery, uttering and publishing, and multiple counts of larceny by conversion. Prosecutors contend the grant money was diverted away from its intended economic development purpose. 

The earmark has been under scrutiny for more than a year and has drawn broader questions regarding legislative earmark oversight, transparency, and the vetting process used for large state-funded projects. The grant was approved as part of Michigan’s 2022 state budget and administered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Subsequent reporting revealed concerns about how the funding was awarded and monitored. 

Nessel indicated the investigation remains ongoing and suggested additional charges are possible as authorities continue reviewing financial records and grant documentation. Beydoun’s legal team has publicly denied wrongdoing and stated she intends to contest the allegations in court. 

The case is likely to intensify ongoing policy discussions in Lansing surrounding earmark reform and accountability measures for taxpayer-funded economic development initiatives. In recent years, lawmakers from both parties have faced increasing pressure to strengthen disclosure requirements and improve oversight of legislative enhancement grants and other budget earmarks.

DCD MUNICIPAL MINUTE

What Michigan’s Evolving Local Budget Practices Mean
for Municipalities and the Business Community

A new statewide survey from the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State and Urban Policy suggests Michigan local governments are becoming more sophisticated in how they approach budgeting, capital planning, and financial management. While much of the discussion around municipal budgeting often stays within finance departments and elected boards, the findings have broader implications for economic development, business confidence, and public affairs strategy across the state.

The report found that local governments have significantly increased their adoption of formal budgeting policies over the last decade, particularly around balanced budget practices, reserve fund management, and capital asset inventories. At the same time, many communities — especially smaller jurisdictions — continue to rely heavily on one-year budgeting cycles and lack formal long-term financial plans.

For municipalities, the trend toward more structured and data-driven financial management reflects increasing pressure from residents, credit markets, developers, and employers for greater fiscal predictability and transparency. Communities with stronger long-range planning capabilities are often better positioned to pursue

infrastructure improvements, compete for state and federal grants, respond to economic downturns, and support long-term development initiatives.

The survey also points to a growing divide between larger and smaller communities. Larger jurisdictions are far more likely to maintain multi-year capital improvement plans and strategic financial forecasts, while many smaller communities continue to operate with limited staffing and financial planning capacity.

That distinction matters for employers and investors evaluating where to expand, build, or relocate operations.

From a business perspective, municipal financial planning increasingly serves as a proxy for overall community stability and operational readiness. Companies making long-term investments in facilities, workforce expansion, or redevelopment projects often look closely at whether a municipality has a clear infrastructure strategy, sustainable budgeting practices, and the ability to anticipate future service demands.

Communities with stronger financial planning processes may also be better equipped to manage fluctuations in property tax revenues, utility costs, public safety demands, and infrastructure maintenance without abrupt tax increases or service reductions. For employers, that can translate into a more predictable operating environment and greater confidence in local government partnerships.

The findings also carry implications for municipal public affairs and communications teams.

As local governments adopt more formal financial policies and capital planning frameworks, public communication around budgeting decisions becomes increasingly important. Residents and businesses alike are demanding greater visibility into how local tax dollars are allocated, what infrastructure priorities are being pursued, and how communities plan to manage future liabilities such as pensions, debt obligations, and aging public assets.

The survey showed that many local governments still lack formal policies regarding long-term debt management and one-time revenue usage. Those gaps could become more significant as communities continue facing inflationary pressures, aging infrastructure needs, and uncertainty around future state and federal funding streams.

This data underscores the importance of translating complex financial planning into accessible narratives that build public trust and stakeholder support. Capital improvement plans, reserve policies, and long-range forecasts are no longer viewed solely as internal administrative documents — they increasingly function as economic development tools and indicators of community credibility.

The report also suggests opportunities for stronger collaboration between municipalities and the private sector. Businesses operating within local communities often have a vested interest in infrastructure reliability, workforce housing, transportation systems, and public safety investments. More communities may look to engage employers earlier in long-term planning discussions, particularly around economic development priorities and capital investment strategies.

Ultimately, the survey reflects a broader shift occurring across Michigan local government: a gradual movement away from reactive, year-to-year budgeting and toward more strategic financial management. While many jurisdictions still face resource constraints, the growing adoption of formal budgeting policies indicates that long-term fiscal planning is increasingly viewed as essential not only for government operations, but for maintaining economic competitiveness and community confidence.

Don’t wait to be outmaneuvered by your municipal neighbors! Reach out to DCD’s public affairs professionals today to start your own capital improvement planning and launch your municipalities economic development strategies!  Let’s grow together!  

CALL DCD TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION @ 248-693-1391.

ARTICLES OF POLITICAL INTEREST:

After 89 years, Michigan hunting and fishing group is done: ‘It’s a void’ - Bridge Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backs federal gas tax holiday, resists Michigan fuel tax cut

Republicans once saw Michigan as ripe for takeover, but mood shifting

Michigan special election results: Firefighter's win seals blue state Senate

Benson to recuse herself from governor’s race decisions, part of 2026 election ‘firewall’ - mlive.com

PARTING WISDOM:

In honor of National Police Week 2026 (May 11-15) we stand in solidarity with all of our brave police officers!

DCD is rebranding, and our bottom line is your bottom line. We are striving to create and foster strong relationships with clients and lawmakers, deliver results with strong ethics and class, but above all else, out-hustle and out-smart our competition every day to be the very best. We’re making chess moves while others are playing checkers. Everything we do is with you in mind, we’re doing things we’ve never done before and aggressively pursuing opportunities. The time is now. DCD has taken our firm to the next level and your involvement and investment paired with our knowledge and expertise is going to launch the great state of Michigan forward.