Capitol News

A recent report from Michigan Advance has highlighted ethical concerns in the Republican primary race for Michigan governor. The controversy centers on Jeff Wiggins, a senior advisor and press secretary to Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who is also running for governor. Wiggins’s firm, Victory Field Operations, has been working for the campaign of U.S. Rep. John James, another leading candidate in the GOP primary.

Victory Field Operations is a petition signature collection company founded by Meghan Reckling, chief of staff for state Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton), and Jeff Wiggins. Public records indicate that both the John James campaign and Mission Michigan—a political action committee supporting James—have paid Victory Field Operations for ballot access work and political strategy consulting.

The dual roles held by Wiggins have led to criticism from within the party. John Truscott, CEO of Truscott Rossman communications firm, said: “It’s very unethical, and I would question his allegiance to either candidate.” He added: “You can’t get paid a government salary working for one candidate, and get a campaign salary while being paid by another one. I don’t know anybody who thinks that would be OK.”

Jeff Timmer, former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party and now with Two Rivers Public Affairs as well as an advisor to the Lincoln Project, commented on the transparency of these arrangements: “This is all transparently disclosed, so it’s not like you can be sneaking around behind your boss’s back.” Timmer compared the situation to sports: “James hiring Nesbitt’s legislative senior advisor...is akin to a coordinator for one football team building a game plan during the week and then showing up on the sideline of another team on game day.”

The ongoing Republican primary has already seen several controversies involving both major candidates. John James has previously faced accusations related to congressional ethics rules violations; Aric Nesbitt's campaign has come under scrutiny due to financial support from opaque GOP-aligned groups.

Calls have emerged within Republican circles urging immediate action over these conflicts. Republican John Truscott stated: “If I were Aric Nesbitt or John James, I would fire him immediately.”

As both campaigns continue through a contentious primary season marked by internal disputes and public scrutiny over ethical standards among key staffers, questions remain about how these issues will affect voter perceptions ahead of Michigan's gubernatorial election.