Findings

What the money shows

Short, sourced data stories from Michigan's public records. We show the money, you draw the conclusions.

Who's buying Michigan? Utility money in state politics

$3.0M

DTE + Consumers/CMS money, 2022–2025

Both

parties' legislative leadership, within ~5%

$123k

to the Governor who appoints their regulator

Since 2022, Michigan's two regulated utilities have put about $3 million into state politics through their PACs and employees. The money went, in near-equal measure, to the Republican and Democratic campaign arms of both legislative chambers, and to the Governor's committee. The Governor appoints the Public Service Commission, which sets the rates those utilities are allowed to charge.

Explore the data yourself in the Money Explorer →

Source: Michigan SOS campaign-finance bulk data (MiTN), 2022–2025. "Utility-affiliated" = contributions from DTE and Consumers/CMS Energy PACs and employees. Association shown; not a claim of quid pro quo.

More findings in progress.