Michigan’s Political Landscape Shifts as Secretary of State Announces Gubernatorial Bid
In a notable political development, Michigan’s Democratic Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, has declared her candidacy for governor in 2026. This announcement comes as the Democratic Party seeks to regain momentum after recent electoral setbacks in the critical battleground state.
Benson, known for her role as Michigan’s chief elections officer during the 2020 and 2024 elections, steps forward as the first prominent Democratic contender. Her campaign must resonate with voters who, in the last election, leaned towards former President Donald Trump.
Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer, whose electoral successes align with Benson’s 2018 and 2022 victories, is barred from seeking another term and has chosen not to endorse any successor.
Benson captured national attention when she defended the 2020 election results amidst challenges from Trump and his supporters, following Biden’s win in Michigan. “Now, some people didn’t like that very much,” Benson remarked in a campaign video shared with The Associated Press, referencing protests outside her home in December 2020 over unfounded election fraud claims.
The Democratic triumph in the 2022 election, which saw the party secure both legislative chambers, the governor’s office, and attorney general positions, was disrupted in November when Trump secured Michigan and Republicans reclaimed the state House of Representatives.
During her tenure, Benson prioritized voter education, access expansion, and the implementation of early voting, a reform backed by a 2022 constitutional amendment. Before her statewide role, she served as an election law attorney and led Wayne State University Law School.
Benson’s gubernatorial agenda highlights her leadership skills and aims to enhance education and reduce living costs to prevent resident outmigration. She vowed to confront “powerful interests,” including Trump and Elon Musk, with whom she has clashed over election misinformation. Musk’s $200 million donation to a pro-Trump super PAC last fall has strengthened his ties with the former president.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has entered the gubernatorial race as an independent, a move criticized by Benson for abandoning the Democratic Party instead of addressing its issues. “For me, it’s important that in moments like this, we don’t flee from the party, but we stay and fix it,” she stated in a recent interview.
Duggan’s independent run removes him from the Democratic primary competition. Meanwhile, other Democrats contemplating a bid include former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who relocated to Traverse City, Michigan, post-2020 presidential race, and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, known for his role in a 2020 protest following George Floyd’s death, is also considering a run.
On the Republican front, state Senate leader Aric Nesbitt has announced his gubernatorial campaign, aligning with Trump and criticizing legislative inaction in Lansing. Despite a progressive legislative push in 2022, Democrats faced reduced session days and legislative stagnation in 2024.
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