Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s current secretary of state, is poised to capture attention in her bid to become the state’s next governor. Her political memoir, “The Purposeful Warrior,” is set to release, offering new insights into her personal experiences, including a miscarriage that occurred approximately eight years ago. This revelation underscores her dedication to enhancing reproductive healthcare access in Michigan.
Benson is part of a diverse group of candidates aiming to take over from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, with her being the sole female contender thus far. Speaking with The Associated Press, Benson detailed how her miscarriage experience has reinforced her commitment to ensuring accessible reproductive healthcare in Michigan.
“It opened my eyes to the need to not just protect reproductive freedom and rights, but actually make sure they’re real,” Benson expressed.
Personal Experiences Informing Political Goals
In her memoir, Benson shares a poignant chapter titled “Grit and Grace,” where she recounts discovering her pregnancy shortly after her son’s first birthday and just before starting her 2017 secretary of state campaign. Her story takes a turn as she recalls the onset of a miscarriage just a day later.
She describes a medical consultation during her eighth week of pregnancy, where she faced choices like surgery, medication, or stillbirth, ultimately miscarrying naturally by the next morning. “The emotional impact of that stays with you for your whole life,” she shared with AP.
Benson acknowledges grappling with feelings of shame and guilt, emotions many women reportedly face. She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to do the same.
Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, many women in politics have shared personal stories concerning miscarriages and abortions. This discourse spans across party lines as reproductive and maternal healthcare issues take center stage in public concern.
Despite Michigan voters’ approval of a 2022 ballot measure protecting abortion access, Benson believes more needs to be done. Her plan includes attracting skilled doctors to Michigan and enhancing rural reproductive health services, potentially through mobile clinics.
Benson pointed to the closure of three Planned Parenthood centers in Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula’s sole location, as a critical issue. These closures were attributed to financial strains worsened by a freeze on federal funding, although federal law prohibits taxpayer money from funding most abortions.
A Competitive 2026 Governor’s Race
The 2026 primary will test the significance of reproductive rights for Democratic voters. Benson’s competition includes Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Gov. Whitmer, limited by terms, has opted not to endorse any candidate.
The Republican field features U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Minority Leader Aaric Nesbitt, and former Attorney General Mike Cox, all vying for President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Adding intrigue, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, traditionally a Democrat, is running as an independent. This decision follows significant Democratic setbacks in the 2024 election, where the state swung toward Trump, and Republicans gained control of the state House, leading to a divided legislature.
Benson’s memoir includes anecdotes from her time as the state’s chief election official during the 2020 election and her legal career. She criticizes Duggan for his 2018 primary election conduct, noting his delayed support for Whitmer and encouragement of male Democrats to enter the race, highlighting the gender dynamics in political campaigns.
“I will never forget the message those efforts sent to women across our state,” Benson wrote, emphasizing the challenges of gender representation in politics. Her remarks on Duggan were initially reported by the Detroit News, with Duggan’s campaign asserting his eventual support for Whitmer during the primary.
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