Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s current Secretary of State, has officially entered the race for the 2026 Democratic nomination for Governor. She is the first major Democrat to announce her candidacy, and her announcement is setting the stage for a busy and competitive election year.
The race is expected to be very competitive, with both Democrats and Republicans preparing for a wide-open election. This is due to the fact that Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, will not be able to run for a third term due to Michigan’s Constitution. This opens up a chance for new candidates to take the lead.
Benson’s Vision for Michigan
In her announcement, Jocelyn Benson emphasized that her campaign would focus on creating a government that is efficient, transparent, and committed to protecting civil rights. She wants to ensure that Michigan leads the nation in areas such as education, while making sure everyone in the state has access to opportunities, not just the wealthy.
Benson shared her belief that Michigan’s future needs creative solutions to solve the problems facing the state. Her platform includes several bold plans, such as:
- Job-training apprenticeships: Benson wants to create a public-private partnership to provide high school students with the skills they need for good jobs.
- A post-secondary gap-year program: This program would help recent high school graduates get money for college, job training, or even starting their own business.
Benson is clear about her goal of building a “people-driven economy,” one where everyone has a chance to succeed. She also stressed that voters are tired of the same old political arguments and want leaders who are focused on finding real solutions.
A Strong Record to Stand On
Jocelyn Benson brings a lot of experience to the table. In 2022, she was one of the most popular candidates on the ballot in Michigan, winning the highest number of votes in the statewide election. Benson is confident that her experience as Secretary of State, where she helped improve government services and voting processes, will help her run a successful campaign for governor.
A Busy Election Ahead
While Benson is the first Democrat to officially announce, she will not be the only one. The Democratic primary is expected to draw more candidates in the coming months. On the other side, Republicans are also gearing up for a crowded field, with State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt already announcing his bid for the GOP nomination.
There’s also an interesting twist in the race—Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a well-known figure, has announced he will run as an independent candidate. This makes the 2026 Michigan governor’s race one to watch as it develops over the next year and a half.
What’s Next for Michigan Voters?
Michigan voters will have the chance to vote for their next governor in the Democratic and Republican primaries, which will take place in August 2026. With so many candidates already in the mix, this is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the state’s history.
As the race heats up, Benson and other candidates will be working hard to earn voters’ trust and show that they have the best vision for Michigan’s future.
(Source : fastcompany.com)
