John James took utility cash as Michigan families faced higher bills

Republican Rep. John James, who is now running for governor, has accepted large donations from utility companies that are raising rates on Michiganders.

Across all of James’ past campaigns, he received a combined $48,529 from DTE Energy, CMS Energy, and their employees. This year, Consumers Energy CEO Garrick Rochow contributed $2,500 to James.

Last month, Consumers Energy, which provides gas and electricity to 6.7 million Michiganders, requested a $456 million utility rate hike. State regulators approved a $277 million rate hike less than three months earlier. If approved, the new hike could increase utility bills by as much as 9.8%.

In April, DTE Energy requested a $474 million rate hike less than a month after a $250 million increase went into effect.

DTE Energy says the hikes are necessary to continue delivering reliable service. Critics note that DTE Energy made $1.5 billion in profits last year and has paid virtually no income tax for more than a decade.

Across the country, Americans are struggling with high utility costs that have risen because of inflation and the war in Iran. Last year, James supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to exacerbate the crisis by eliminating clean energy tax benefits.

Democratic state Attorney General Dana Nessel said she intends to block all of the proposed rate increases.

James will compete in an Aug. 4 Republican primary against businessman Perry Johnson and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. The likely Democratic nominee is Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.