Capitol News

Despite the recent passage of Michigan's state budget with significant bipartisan support, three Republican candidates for governor have voiced their opposition to the measure. The budget, negotiated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, House Speaker Matt Hall, and legislators from both parties, was approved by large margins in both chambers. It includes funding aimed at road repairs, increased per-pupil allocations for public schools, Medicaid protection, and cost reductions for residents.

Aric Nesbitt was one of only five Republicans in the Senate who voted against the budget. Mike Cox has publicly criticized the measure. Tom Leonard stated on WNBY this week that he “would not have supported this current budget.”

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman commented on the situation: “Working across the aisle doesn’t cut it in a messy GOP primary where the only goal is showing loyalty to Donald Trump. Aric Nesbitt, Mike Cox, and Tom Leonard are so extreme that they’re opposing a budget that’s even supported by Matt Hall and most Republicans in the legislature. And for his part, John James voted for Trump’s disastrous budget that cuts health care to give tax breaks to the wealthiest people. Whoever Republicans end up nominating next year, they’ll be wildly out-of-touch with everyday Michiganders, just like their failed nominee in 2022.”