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Campaign Finance

Campaign finance reform ballot measure

Michigan voters in 2026 are deciding on a citizen-initiated ballot measure (Proposal 2) that would prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, large government contractors (with over $250,000 annually in contracts), and those with substantial connections to them from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to candidates for public office. The measure also expands campaign finance regulations to additional types of political communications. Money in politics has been a top issue in both the Democratic U.S. Senate primary and among Republican voters.

Should Michigan ban campaign contributions from regulated utilities and large government contractors?

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Sources

Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_elections,_2026
Prohibit certain organizations and individuals—such as regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to those utilities or contractors—from making direct or indirect contributions to those who run for office.
Votebeat — https://www.votebeat.org/michigan/2026/09/16/midterm-election-2026-whats-on-your-ballot-voter-guide
The second ballot measure is known as Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (often abbreviated as MMOP). This is a proposed law — not a constitutional amendment — that would stop utility companies and large government contractors from donating to political campaigns for officials who could impact their contracts.
Up North Live — https://www.facebook.com/UpNorthLive/videos/millions-of-dollars-are-being-spent-in-this-2026-election-cycle-in-michigan-with/1578171730561146
Money in politics has been a top issue in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary and concerns have also been raised by Republican Perry Johnson.
Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan U.S. Senate candidate — https://abdulforsenate.com/priorities
Banning Corporate Money in Politics, Ending Gerrymandering, Supreme Court Reform, Abolishing the Filibuster, Making Voting Easier.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Fully support the ban and expand it to cover all corporate and PAC donations to any political campaign in Michigan.
  2. Support Proposal 2 as written — utilities and large contractors should not donate to candidates who oversee them.
  3. Support the concept but prefer broader campaign finance reform through the legislature rather than a ballot measure.
  4. Oppose the measure as overly broad; existing disclosure rules are sufficient to address conflicts of interest.
  5. Oppose the measure entirely — it restricts free speech rights and unfairly singles out certain industries.

Campaign finance and money in politics

A 2026 Michigan ballot measure (Michiganders for Money Out of Politics) and candidate platforms focus on restricting campaign contributions from regulated utilities, large government contractors, and related entities, alongside broader calls to reduce corporate money in politics.

Should Michigan restrict campaign contributions from utilities, contractors, and related entities?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Votebeat — https://www.votebeat.org/michigan/2026/09/16/midterm-election-2026-whats-on-your-ballot-voter-guide
The second ballot measure is known as Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (often abbreviated as MMOP). This is a proposed law — not a constitutional amendment — that would stop utility companies and large government contractors from donating to political campaigns for officials who could impact their contracts.
Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_elections,_2026
Prohibit certain organizations and individuals—such as regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to those utilities or contractors—from making direct or indirect contributions to those who run for office
Michigan Advance — https://michiganadvance.com/voter-guides/2026-michigan-primary-election
A PROPOSED INITIATED LAW TO PROHIBIT CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CERTAIN REGULATED UTILITIES AND APPLY CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO ADDITIONAL TYPES OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS
Abdul El-Sayed campaign — https://abdulforsenate.com/priorities
Money Out of Politics + Banning Corporate Money in Politics
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Ban all corporate and utility contributions and move to full public financing of campaigns
  2. Pass strict bans on utility/contractor donations and expand disclosure for all political spending
  3. Approve the MMOP-style limits on regulated utilities and large contractors only
  4. Keep current rules but improve transparency and enforcement of existing contribution limits
  5. Allow contributions with clearer disclosure rather than new industry-specific bans
  6. Loosen contribution limits to increase free speech while requiring rapid online disclosure
  7. Remove most contribution restrictions as unconstitutional limits on political speech