# Michigan Residents Voted to Get Corporate Money Out of Politics. Now Utilities Are Suing

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/michigan-residents-voted-to-get-corporate-money-out-of-politics-now-utilities-are-suing/
- Published: 2026-11-11T11:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T12:42:38+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/michigan-voters-want-utility-money-out-of-politics-lawsuit/
- Topics: Elections, Politics

## Key points

- Michigan’s utilities are suing over a campaign finance measure.
- Proposal 2 passed with 81 per cent support.
- The case tests limits on political donations by utilities and contractors.

## Summary

Michigan’s two biggest utilities, Consumers Energy and DTE, are challenging a voter-approved campaign finance measure, arguing it violates their constitutional rights. Proposal 2 passed with 81 per cent support and bars political donations from utilities, large government contractors and certain people connected to them, while tightening disclosure rules. The case matters because it tests how far states can limit political spending by businesses with ties to government.

The utilities say the measure unfairly excludes them from political debate; Consumers Energy also argues it restricts employees and their families while leaving outside groups free to spend. Supporters say limits on contractors’ donations can reduce corruption risks, particularly where utilities are regulated by state officials. Michigan has at least 26 data centre projects planned, and DTE has proposed two gas plants costing $6.4 billion; household energy bills rose 10 per cent over the past year, among the largest increases in the US.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.