PAC Ad Claimed False Data Center Profit
An advertisement incorrectly linked an individual's compensation to the $43 billion Saline Township data center project.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Data Centers
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A political advertisement from a super PAC supporting John James erroneously claimed that Ryan Friedrichs, husband of Jocelyn Benson, could earn $70 million in commissions from a data center in Saline Township. Spokespeople for Related Companies confirmed that Friedrichs received no such commission.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the intersection of large-scale infrastructure investment and political messaging during an election season. The project in question represents a $43 billion facility, drawing intense scrutiny regarding the involvement of political figures and their associates.
Ryan Friedrichs earned an annual salary of $370,000 in 2025 while employed by Related Companies. This compensation model is contrasted against the $70 million figure alleged by a 30-second political advertisement.
The players
Ryan Friedrichs
An employee of Related Companies who served as a lobbyist and project representative for the Saline Township data center.
Jocelyn Benson
The spouse of Ryan Friedrichs who is currently involved in Michigan state-level politics.
Related Companies
A major real estate and development firm currently focused on large-scale infrastructure projects including the Saline facility.
John James
A Republican candidate for governor whose campaign is supported by the super PAC responsible for the advertisement.
The details
The dispute centers on a $43 billion data center project planned for Saline Township, Michigan. While Ryan Friedrichs worked on the Saline project from early summer 2025 until February 2026, Related Companies maintains he was a salaried employee and never received commissions on the development. Friedrichs previously served as a registered lobbyist for the firm in Michigan, a status he terminated in May 2025 before transitioning to a new role at the company in March 2026.
Timeline
2025: Ryan Friedrichs earned a $370,000 annual salary.
May 2025: Friedrichs ended his Michigan lobbyist registration.
November 10, 2025: Friedrichs made a public appearance for Related Digital in Saline.
February 2026: Work concluded on the Saline project.
March 2026: Friedrichs shifted to a new role at Related Companies with no Michigan project responsibilities.
The Tech Race
This dispute highlights the transparency requirements surrounding the $43 billion data center boom in Michigan. It follows the established pattern of the Michigan Lobbyist Registration Act to separate legitimate professional development work from political campaign narratives.
Residents should note that the Saline Township project remains a multi-billion dollar industrial development currently moving through local planning stages. The primary change for citizens involves the increased need to verify financial claims regarding state development projects as election advertisements circulate.
The takeaway
The event serves as a reminder to cross-reference large-scale infrastructure financial claims with verified corporate employment records. Future developments regarding the Saline Township facility can be monitored through official state House subcommittee proceedings.
Further reading
For broader coverage of the state's expanding infrastructure, visit the Data Centers section.
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