Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic Secretary of State for Michigan, has announced her candidacy for governor in 2026.
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Democratic Secretary of State, officially kicked off her gubernatorial campaign on Wednesday, positioning herself as the leading candidate to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
This announcement comes as Michigan’s Democratic Party looks to bounce back after setbacks in the November elections, where former President Donald Trump and Republicans made significant gains.
Why It Matters:
Benson, who gained national recognition for her role overseeing Michigan’s elections during the heated 2020 and 2024 contests, is the first high-profile Democrat to enter the race for governor.
She faces a challenging political environment, especially with many voters—particularly those who supported Trump in the last election cycle—feeling disillusioned with the Democratic Party.
Who Is Jocelyn Benson?
Benson’s platform is centered on her experience safeguarding the election process, as well as her focus on improving education, lowering the cost of living, and keeping Michigan residents in the state.
She’s also pledged to stand up against powerful figures like Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk, with whom she has clashed over misinformation surrounding elections.
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