© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The big winner in Michigan's 2016 elections? Money

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Money talks - and in 2016, it also wins elections. In 91% of state house races this year, the candidate with more money won. 

That's according to analysis by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. Executive Director Craig Mauger compared the election results with financial reports.  

“In the other 8 races where the candidate...who had less money won, it was often very close.  Both candidates raised a lot of money,” says Mauger.

Democrats and Republicans divided the top ten financed campaigns for Michigan state house seats in 2016.  All five Republicans won, and all five Democrats lost.

1) Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Twp.); 61st District; $759,194; Won

2) Bryan Mielke (D-Mt. Pleasant); 99th District; $719,108; Lost

3) Rep. Holly Hughes (R-Montague); 91st District; $685,390; Won

4) Dan Scripps (D-Fruitport); 101st District; $601,370; Lost

5) Annie Brown (D-South Haven); 66th District; $590,488; Lost

6) Collene Lamonte (D-Montague); 91st District; $565,333; Lost

7) Beth Griffin (R-Paw Paw); 66th District; $543,000; Won

8) Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Grand Ledge); 71st District; $529,450; Won

9) Rep. John Bizon (R-Battle Creek); 62nd District; $510,939; Won

10) Scott Celello (D-Iron Mountain); 108th District; $508,096; Lost

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content