Jocelyn Benson wins Michigan governorship, pledges affordability focus

Jocelyn Benson defeated Republican Congressman John James in Michigan’s gubernatorial race on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press projection. Benson, who has served as Michigan’s Secretary of State since 2019, will be sworn in as the state’s 50th governor on January 1, 2027, succeeding term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

During her campaign, Benson focused on improving affordability, preserving election integrity, and reinvesting in education. Her “My Affordable Michigan” agenda emphasized reducing costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare, while describing the state’s Department of Health and Human Services as outdated and disconnected from residents.

Benson also identified housing as a top priority, proposing a comprehensive approach to build more homes faster by cutting through bureaucratic red tape. She named Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her choice for lieutenant governor, citing a shared commitment to lowering costs and raising wages for Michigan families.

Read the full story at clickondetroit.com.