Mackinac Center Sues Michigan Over Campaign Finance Measure

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on November 3, 2026, challenging the constitutionality of Proposal 2. The ballot measure was approved by 81% of Michigan voters on November 2 and seeks to limit the influence of money in politics by restricting contributions from government contractors and utility companies.

The lawsuit names Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State and governor-elect Jocelyn Benson as defendants. Lead litigator Brett Nolan argues that the measure's political disclosure requirements and contribution limits violate First Amendment free-speech protections. Opponents of the law claim it is an overreach that could force journalists and nonprofits to register with the government to criticize elected officials.

Supporters of the measure, including the group Michiganders for Money Out of Politics, maintain that the restrictions are necessary to prevent corporate donations from drowning out ordinary voters. Co-chair Christy McGillivray stated that allowing such contributions leads to "pay-to-play politics."