Benson Proposes Ban on Utility Political Spending in Michigan

Democratic gubernatorial candidate seeks to end 'conflict of interest' between utilities and politicians

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone electrical substation or power line pole, its metallic surfaces and concrete foundation bathed in warm, angled sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political power and influence of regulated utility companies.Benson's proposal seeks to curb the political influence of Michigan's major utilities, which have historically donated to campaigns from both parties.Saginaw Today

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson has proposed banning regulated utilities like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy from spending money to influence or elect politicians in Michigan. Benson, who currently serves as Michigan's Secretary of State, unveiled the proposal as part of a broader plan to address high gas and electricity rates for residents.

Why it matters

Benson's proposal aims to limit the political influence of major utilities in Michigan, which have historically donated to campaigns and causes from both political parties. Critics argue such limits would be unconstitutional, but Benson says ending the 'conflict of interest' is necessary to protect ratepayers.

The details

Benson's plan would prohibit regulated utilities from spending money to 'influence or elect politicians.' It's unclear how broad the proposed ban would be, but at least 22 other states have introduced or adopted similar measures to limit utility political activities. Benson says she has not accepted funds from energy companies in her current campaign, though utilities have donated to her past campaigns.

  • Benson announced the proposal on April 10, 2026 during a news conference in Saginaw.

The players

Jocelyn Benson

Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current Secretary of State, who oversees the state's campaign finance system.

DTE Energy

A major regulated utility in Michigan that has donated to political campaigns and causes from both parties.

Consumers Energy

Another major regulated utility in Michigan that has also donated to political campaigns and causes from both parties.

Brenda Moore

The mayor of Saginaw, who joined Benson at the news conference.

Sean McBrearty

The co-chair of Michiganders for Money out of Politics, a group behind a ballot initiative to ban political spending by utilities and government contractors.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to end the conflict of interest so that companies seeking to raise rates cannot influence making those rules and decisions that are meant to regulate them.”

— Jocelyn Benson, Democratic gubernatorial candidate

“We know that Michiganders are experiencing the cost of everything increasing — from groceries, to housing, to gas prices — which is why we're focused on securing the grid, powering homes and investing in Michigan.”

— Katie Carey, Spokesperson, Consumers Energy

“We will work with any future administration and Legislature on achieving these goals.”

— Katie Carey, Spokesperson, Consumers Energy

“We are hopeful that Secretary Benson's plan would ban direct and indirect contributions from utilities, entities associated with them, and government contractors as our initiative does. We look forward to further details being released.”

— Sean McBrearty, Co-chair, Michiganders for Money out of Politics

What’s next

The details of Benson's proposed ban on utility political spending will need to be further clarified. Her campaign said the proposal is not an endorsement of a separate ballot initiative seeking to limit political spending by utilities and government contractors, which is currently being reviewed by Benson's office as Secretary of State.

The takeaway

Benson's proposal to ban utility political spending aims to address concerns over the 'conflict of interest' between regulated companies and the politicians who oversee them. While the specifics still need to be worked out, the plan reflects a growing push across the country to limit the political influence of major utilities.