WASHINGTON — Republican political newcomer Robert Lulgjuraj raised more money than any other first-time GOP candidate in the country last quarter as part of his bid to win a competitive suburban Detroit congressional seat, according to his campaign.

The Sterling Heights attorney brought in about $650,000 during the reporting period that spanned from July 1 through September 30 as he gears up for a potentially competitive primary. Lulgjuraj is running to replace current U.S. Rep. John James, who is running for governor of Michigan.

"I'm humbled by the overwhelming support for this campaign," Lulgjuraj said in a phone interview. "I don't see anyone coming close to matching the financial and grassroots momentum we've built, and I feel that we're just getting started."

For now, Lulgjuraj stands alone as the sole major Republican candidate in Michigan's 10th Congressional District, which covers southern Macomb County and Rochester and Rochester Hills in Oakland County. But that is likely to change soon with the expected entry of Mike Bouchard, son of the longtime Oakland County sheriff of the same name.

Lulgjuraj said he was not worried about that possibility: "Good luck raising what we've raised and what we'll continue to amass. Good luck matching our grassroots momentum. And good luck trying to outwork us."

Bouchard is a captain in the Michigan Army National Guard. He is expected back in Michigan in the next 10 days and is going to "hit the ground running," according to a GOP source familiar with his plans.

In the meantime, a draft committee supporting a potential Bouchard run has attracted several prominent supporters in recent days. Some of the latest endorsers include businessman and Detroit racing icon Roger Penske, Detroit Pistons legend Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson, former multi-time world-title-winning boxer Thomas "the Hitman" Hearns and former U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham.

"As someone who has seen leadership at the highest levels, I have great respect for Captain Mike Bouchard’s record of service and character,” said Abraham, also a former U.S. Energy Secretary, in a statement. “He represents the very best of Michigan — disciplined, principled, and ready to serve, this time in Washington.”

A release from the Committee to Draft Captain Mike Bouchard also includes the elder Bouchard, rock musician Ted Nugent, former Michigan Gov. John Engler and former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Asked about those endorsements, Lulgjuraj said the race "is not going to be won by old-school, elitist establishment, traditional GOP donors. It's going to be won by the people that are actually in the district. And you see where the money's coming from. It's coming from voters in this district."

A Detroit News analysis found that at least $150,000 of Lulgjuraj's fundraising for the quarter came from individual donors in the 10th District and roughly $588,000 — more than 90% of his total — came from individuals in Michigan. The rest came from out-of-state donors or contributors who gave less than the $200 threshold for detailed listing in public Federal Election Commission filings.

Lulgjuraj's filing showed a $250 contribution from GOP gubernatorial hopeful Mike Cox of Livonia, himself a former Michigan attorney general from 2003 to 2011. The upstart's campaign website includes endorsements from Republican state Reps. Joe Aragona of Clinton Township, Jay DeBoyer of Clay Township, and Jamie Greene of Richmond, among other state and local lawmakers.

He has also won the endorsement of Brian Pannebecker, a politically active retired Ford Motor Co. worker from Harrison Township who founded the group Auto Workers for Trump. Pannebecker has appeared multiple times at events with President Donald Trump, including during an April tariff unveiling dubbed "Liberation Day" at the White House.

Dave Dulio, a political scientist at Oakland University, said he was impressed by Lulgjuraj's $650,000 fundraising total. The former Macomb County prosecutor also ended the quarter with about $577,000 in cash on hand.

"That’s a big number for a first-time candidate," Dulio said of the haul. "And that, I think, will scare away any potential primary challengers, which is the most important thing for him right now. But that’s going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight in what’s likely to be a good Democratic year in a district that has the potential to flip,” Dulio said.

He added: "If Bouchard runs, he’s got some catching up to do.”

The only other GOP candidate to file paperwork to enter the race so far is Casey Armitage of Vassar, who raised about $1,500 in the period.

On the Democratic Party side of the ledger in Michigan's 10th District, the race is more crowded. The field includes Army veteran Alex Hawkins of Rochester, former special victims prosecutor Christina Hines of Warren, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and former Commerce Department Attorney Eric Chung of Sterling Heights.

None of them had submitted an October quarterly report as of late Wednesday afternoon, though Chung said in a press release last week that he raised $265,000 in the third quarter, bringing his total to about $870,000 since launching his campaign on April 30.

"The enthusiastic support for this campaign from thousands of contributors is proof that people want a representative who understands the experience of working families and will put them first. I’m running for Congress to restore the American Dream and to make sure that every Michigander has a chance to succeed,” Chung said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Chung also announced an endorsement from state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia.

Other notable quarterly fundraising hauls revealed Wednesday include about $860,000 for Democratic U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Bay City and $325,000 for Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland. Both are expected to face similar competitive general election contests in 2026. The candidates finished with about $2 million and $1.6 million in the bank, respectively.

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain of Bruce Township, the No. 4 Republican in the House, raised about $772,040 and ended the period with $1.4 million in cash on hand.

All federal candidates must submit filings by the end of the day.

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