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Jocelyn Benson
Democratic candidate for Governor / Lt. Governor, Michigan · Open seat
Michigan Secretary of State
Jocelyn Benson is a Democrat who has been Michigan's Secretary of State since 2019. She is the Democratic nominee for governor in the November 3, 2026 general election. Her running mate for lieutenant governor is state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.
Where Benson stands
- Health care costs
- Proposes creating a prescription drug affordability board and streamlining the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She says outdated infrastructure slows the department down.
- Health care
- Describes her health platform as centered on access, affordability and fairness, and says fixing outdated MDHHS infrastructure is the centerpiece of her plan.
- Gas prices
- Said at the October 6 debate that she is open to a state gas tax holiday.
Background
- Michigan Secretary of State, 2019–present
- Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan, 2026
- Running mate: Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (announced Aug. 19, 2026)
In the news
- Michigan students are falling behind -- here’s what governor candidates plan to do about it WDIV ClickOnDetroit, October 22, 2026
- What Michigan governor candidates said they'd do to lower costs for Michiganders WDIV ClickOnDetroit, October 21, 2026
- MichMash: Jocelyn Benson makes her case to be Michigan's next governor WDET, October 16, 2026
- Benson, James tackle affordability, federal relations at first gubernatorial debate Michigan Advance, October 6, 2026
Also running for Governor / Lt. Governor
- John James Republican
- Anthony Hudson Libertarian
- Donna Brandenburg U.S. Taxpayers
- Douglas Campbell Green
Sources
- Michigan Public: Benson health policy agenda
- WLNS: Debate takeaways
- Bridge Michigan: Benson picks Winnie Brinks
- Campaign newsroom
- Detroit News: Second debate
Last researched October 22, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.