Whitmer Raises Over $8.5M For Reelection Run

LANSING, MI — As Michigan Republicans tout the recent announcement by former Detroit Police Chief James Craig that he will run against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2022, the incumbent governor continues to post strong fundraising numbers as she prepares for her reelection bid.

Whitmer's reelection campaign said this week that it has raised more than $8.5 million — the most of any gubernatorial candidate in a non-election year in state history, according to The Associated Press.

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has led Michigan through the greatest public health crisis in a century and this report is a testament to the enormous trust people have in her ability to put Michigan first and continue leading our state forward, creating jobs and getting our economy moving again,” said Mark Fisk, spokesperson for the Whitmer for Governor Campaign.

Whitmer has gathered more than $14 million during this election cycle, surpassing the $13.3 million she raised in 2018 with 15 1/2 months remaining until Election Day. The campaign said her committee has more than $10 million on hand, which the AP reported as being well above what her Republican predecessor Rick Snyder had entering 2014 when he won reelection.

Monday is the due date for campaign finance reports, meaning specifics on campaign donations and expenses will be made public then.

Amplifying the significance of Whitmer's fundraising success is the Republican party's inability to establish a strong candidate to oppose her in 2022. However, they recently may have done so with Craig announcing late Wednesday on the Tucker Carlson Show that he "is running."

Craig appeared on the show the same day he created an exploratory committee to consider running.

“I’ve got to tell you, I’m running,” Craig told Carlson on the show.

See More: James Craig Takes First Step Toward Run For Michigan Governor

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.