Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces gubernatorial bid
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has officially announced her candidacy for teh 2026 gubernatorial election, making her the first Democrat to enter the race to succeed the term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This announcement marks a significant step in her political career as she aims to take over the leadership of the state.Jocelyn Benson’s announcement to run for governor showcases her ambition and commitment to Michigan’s future. As the first Democrat to enter the race, she will likely leverage her experience as Secretary of State to attract voters. Benson has focused on voting rights, election security, and accessibility in her current role, which may resonate with the electorate as she campaigns for the governorship. With Governor Gretchen Whitmer termed out, the race will likely be competitive, with Benson needing to position herself effectively against potential challengers, both within and outside her party. Her candidacy also reflects a broader trend of increased political mobilization among Democrats in states where leadership is transitioning. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how she articulates her vision for Michigan and addresses key issues facing the state.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces 2026 gubernatorial bid
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson became the first Democrat to announce her candidacy for governor in 2026 to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI).
Benson announced her bid Wednesday morning, after posting the announcement Tuesday evening and quickly removing it. In her launch video, Benson highlighted her career, including her tenure as secretary of state, during which she oversaw the 2020 election.
I’m running to be Governor of Michigan to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
I’m a mom, military spouse, educator — and Michigan’s Secretary of State.
I’ve never backed down from a tough fight or hard work. And I know together we can build the future Michiganders deserve. pic.twitter.com/v0EMMffwFX
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) January 22, 2025
“I am running for Governor because our state needs a bold leader who will save all Michiganders time and money, deliver real results that improve everyone’s lives, and protect our residents,” Benson said in a statement announcing her campaign. “And that’s what I’ve done my entire career.”
Benson was first elected secretary of state in 2018, winning 52.9%-44% over her Republican opponent, Mary Treder Lang. In 2022, she easily won reelection to the statewide office, 55.9%-41.9%, over GOP challenger Kristina Karamo.
She is the first Democrat to announce her candidacy for an office the party would like to maintain, after the state voted for President Donald Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris, 49.7%-48.3%, in last year’s presidential election. Other possible Democratic candidates for governor include former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D-MI), but neither has confirmed if he will run.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a run for governor last month, but the longtime Democrat said he would run as an independent instead of in the Democratic primary. In his announcement, he argued that “the current system forces people to choose sides, not find solutions.”
So far, one Republican, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, has announced a bid for governor in the Great Lakes State.
Whitmer, who cannot run again due to term limits, has been floated as a possible presidential candidate in 2028. The incumbent governor handily won both of her races for the office, despite her 2018 and 2022 wins being sandwiched between Trump’s presidential victories in the state in 2016 and 2024.
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