Jocelyn Benson running for Michigan governor after serving as SOS since 2019

The first party official to declare a formal candidacy for governor is the Democratic Secretary of State.

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    Jocelyn Benson is running for governor, she announced Wednesday.
    
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    Benson has served as Michigan’s Secretary of State since 2019.
    
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    Others who have said they are seeking the office include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
    

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  Jocelyn Benson is running for governor, she announced Wednesday.
  
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  Benson has served as Michigan’s Secretary of State since 2019.
  
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  Others who have said they are seeking the office include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
  

FOX 2, Lansing, Mich.Jocelyn Benson, the secretary of state of Michigan, is a candidate for governor.

The backstory

“The reason I’m running for governor is that our state needs a fearless leader who will defend our citizens, save time and money for all Michiganders, and produce tangible outcomes that enhance everyone’s lives. She stated in a news release, “And that’s what I’ve done my entire career.”

When Benson shared and then removed a campaign message on social media on Tuesday, rumors that she would apply for the position reached a peak. On Wednesday morning, she released a video to formally announce the news.

Since 2019, Benson has served as Michigan’s SOS. Her current goal is to succeed departing Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In 2026, voters will choose the next governor.

“The goal of this campaign is to get the government to support you. I aspire for Michigan to be the nation’s greatest place to be a child, raise a child, and achieve prosperity, safety, and health. A place where businesses and communities prosper, where government is effective and manageable, and where all citizens have access to high-quality housing, healthcare, education, and child care,” she added in a statement. “As governor I will bring people together to solve our biggest problems and make sure everyone has a fair shot.”

The opposing viewpoint:

Benson is the latest in a long line of prospective governors.

Observation:

Other candidates who have declared their intention to run for office include Michigan Senate Minority Leader, who is running on the Republican Party ticket, and Detroit Mayor, who is running as an independent.