Michigan’s Secretary of State Establishes Firewall in Gubernatorial Campaign
In a move aimed at maintaining integrity while campaigning, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is also running for governor, has announced a series of measures to separate her electoral responsibilities from her campaign activities. Benson, currently the state’s top elections official, has detailed these measures in a letter to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, an independent bipartisan body.
Through these measures, Benson will have no involvement in decisions concerning candidate petitions, ballot disputes, or campaign finance complaints until they are publicly disclosed by the Michigan Bureau of Elections. This approach mirrors the policies implemented during her 2022 reelection campaign.
Benson stated, “I share this letter with you now in the interest of transparency and to establish precedent of a public-facing firewall policy that other secretaries should adhere to and be held to.” These policies are set to remain in place until the board has fulfilled its duties concerning the November 2026 general election.
Additionally, the state election director will handle any complaints of misfeasance or malfeasance by local election officials, without input from Benson, who is campaigning for the Democratic Party nomination for governor. The firewall guidelines were developed with guidance from the Election Reformers Network, an organization promoting unbiased election processes.
While the Michigan Republican Party has not formally responded to Benson’s strategy, some party members are advocating for federal oversight of Michigan’s elections, citing her dual role as a potential concern. Such oversight would represent an unprecedented shift in election management, involving over 1,600 local officials who oversee voting logistics.
It’s not uncommon for secretaries of state to seek election while in office. Notable precedents include Ruth Johnson’s successful run for the Michigan Senate in 2018 and Candice Miller’s election to the U.S. House in 2002, both while serving as Michigan Secretaries of State.
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