Democratic AG Nominee Savit Faces Campaign Finance Complaint Over County Gas Card Use
Former Michigan Chamber executive files formal complaint against Democratic AG nominee over alleged misuse of county gas card for campaign travel.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Michigan Democratic Party attorney general nominee Eli Savit is facing a formal campaign finance complaint alleging he improperly used a Washtenaw County-provided gas card to fund travel to campaign events.
The complaint was filed late last week by Bob Labrant, an attorney and former leader with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce who spent nearly 40 years at the organization. Labrant’s complaint follows a Detroit News investigation that exposed Savit’s use of the county gas card for campaign-related travel while competing for the Democratic nomination.
Savit’s campaign told Michigan Advance it had not yet seen the complaint but expressed confidence that the allegations were without merit. The Washtenaw County prosecutor was selected by Michigan Democratic Party delegates on April 19 to be the party’s nominee for attorney general in November’s election.
Gas Card Usage Under Scrutiny
According to The Detroit News, Savit defended his use of the county-provided gas card as legal, stating his Washtenaw County compensation package allowed unlimited use of a county vehicle, including for personal purposes. The gas card was attached to that vehicle benefit.
However, Labrant argues in his complaint that such use may have been legal only until May 13, 2025, when Savit announced his candidacy for attorney general. Media reports indicate 21 payments were made on Washtenaw County’s credit card for gasoline during travel following Savit’s campaign announcement.
“However, recent media accounts report 21 payments have been made on Washtenaw County’s credit card for gasoline during travel,” Labrant stated in the complaint, suggesting these payments occurred after Savit entered the attorney general race.
Complicated Nomination Process
Savit’s path to the Democratic nomination was marked by various voting and registration issues during the party’s delegate selection process. Despite these complications, he secured the party’s endorsement for attorney general at the April 19 convention in Detroit.
The complaint represents the latest challenge for Savit’s campaign as he prepares for the November general election. Campaign finance violations can carry significant penalties and political consequences for candidates seeking statewide office.
As a longtime Michigan Chamber of Commerce executive, Labrant brings decades of political experience to his role as complainant. His formal accusation adds scrutiny to Savit’s use of taxpayer-funded resources during his campaign for higher office.
The Michigan Democratic Party has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the complaint against their attorney general nominee. Savit’s campaign maintains that a full review of the allegations will demonstrate they lack merit.
