In a bustling Grand Rapids brewpub, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocleyn Benson announced her choice for lieutenant governor, drawing significant attention from supporters and local officials. The selection of state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) aims to bring a blend of legislative experience and regional representation to the campaign.
Brinks, who has served the Grand Rapids area in the state Legislature for over a decade, joins Benson, a southeast Michigan native and former two-term Secretary of State. This pairing is designed to balance West Michigan perspectives with Benson’s broader state vision.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Brinks emphasized her strong legislative connections: “I think it’s really a strength to have so many strong relationships with legislators already and I think that will help us move our agenda, it will help us find common ground, and it will also help us work out differences,” she remarked.
Benson highlighted their shared focus on enhancing government efficiency: “Saving time, saving money, streamlining how things operate, so that it’s less expensive to build affordable homes so that it’s easier to get access to the healthcare benefits you’re entitled to. We share that commitment to ensuring the administration of government is run well and effectively and efficiently,” Benson stated.
As Democrats face a crucial electoral period, Benson’s nomination process was straightforward, unlike the contentious Democratic U.S. Senate primary. The race featured a clash between moderate Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed, who garnered significant support in Grand Rapids.
Benson, having secured numerous progressive endorsements early on, expressed confidence in her and Brinks’ ability to address current challenges: “Our agenda is a bold one and I think what voters are responding to, to wanting leaders who can take a broken system, fix it, do bold things and get things done. That’s what we’ve done in Lansing. That’s what the women in Michigan have over these last nearly eight years have done together. That’s what I’ve been proud to do as Secretary of State, and I’ll be proud to do it as governor,” she asserted.
In the upcoming electoral battle, Benson and Brinks will compete against Republican nominee Congressman John James and his running mate, state Rep. Jay DeBoyer.
The Michigan GOP, however, quickly criticized Brinks’ record. Michigan GOP Chair Jim Runestad commented, “Winnie Brinks oversaw the most left-wing, out-of-touch budget we’ve ever seen in Michigan. Her $9 billion in one-time-funding included $200 million to fix the roads, with zero to show for it. Winnie Brinks championed Green-New-Deal scam legislation, pet projects with no names attached, and the elimination of Right to Work protections. Like Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, Winnie Brinks is too extreme for Michigan,” as stated in an email.
The finalization of lieutenant governor picks for both parties awaits upcoming state conventions scheduled for the next two weekends.
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