Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, announced Wednesday her campaign for governor in the 2026 election. Benson, who has served as secretary of state since 2019, emphasized her commitment to transparency, accountability, and safety in her campaign launch video.

“I’m running for governor to truly make government work for everyone. We need leaders who are transparent and accountable. We need our schools and neighborhoods to be safe for all of us,” Benson said in the video. The announcement makes her the first major candidate to enter the Democratic primary for governor.

Benson’s campaign highlights her experience as secretary of state, her tenure as dean of Wayne State University Law School, and her role as a co-founder of Military Spouses of Michigan. She also referenced her efforts to ensure election integrity during the 2020 presidential election, when she faced pressure from pro-Trump protesters who falsely accused her of allowing election fraud.

“I ran for secretary of state to make sure government is efficient and transparent, that every voice is heard and every legitimate vote is counted in every election, no matter the outcome. Now, some people didn’t like that very much,” Benson said in the video, which included clips of protesters outside her home.

Benson could face a competitive Democratic primary. Potential contenders include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. On the Republican side, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy last week.

Michigan’s gubernatorial race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in 2026. The state has been a key battleground in recent elections, with President Donald Trump winning in 2016 and 2024, while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Benson secured victories in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Whitmer, a Democrat, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

In her campaign video, Benson also took aim at powerful figures, saying, “I’ve spent my life standing up to powerful interests, and I’ll keep standing up to any bullies or billionaires who try to deceive us, divide us, take away our rights or deny anyone the opportunity to get a fair shot.” The video included images of Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.

Benson’s announcement comes nearly two years before the 2026 election, signaling the early start of what is expected to be a highly competitive race in a politically divided state.