Jocelyn Benson Makes Affordability and Public Services Central to Governor Campaign

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By The Chronicle News | Candidate Profile | October 27, 2026

LANSING, Mich. — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is the Democratic nominee for Michigan governor in the November 3 general election. She is running with state Sen. Winnie Brinks against Republican nominee John James and other candidates for the office being vacated by term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Benson was first elected secretary of state in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Her responsibilities include administering elections and overseeing driver and vehicle services. She previously served as dean of Wayne State University Law School and studied at Wellesley College, Oxford University and Harvard Law School.

Her campaign focuses on making Michigan more affordable through proposals involving housing, healthcare, child care and electricity costs, alongside education, job growth and government accountability. These are campaign proposals rather than enacted policies.

Benson’s public-service record includes changes to online and self-service transactions at Secretary of State offices, according to the Michigan Department of State. Voters may evaluate those administrative changes alongside the costs, implementation plans and measurable outcomes of her gubernatorial platform.