Jocelyn Benson

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says she will make Michigan more affordable, take its public schools into the top 10 in the nation, and make government work for Michiganders.[1]
• Points to her record as secretary of state, saying she cut branch-office wait times, moved most transactions online, and oversaw two of the highest-turnout elections in state history.[2]
• Says she will use every available tool to expand rural health care, build more housing, take on utility rate increases, and make childcare free.[2]
• Frames the race as a choice about whom the next governor will work for, and says she has stood up to the president to protect Michigan's elections.[3]

Background

• Michigan Secretary of State, State of Michigan · 2019–present[4],[2]
• CEO, Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality · 2016–2018[4]
• Dean, Wayne State University Law School · 2012–2016[4],[2]
• Faculty member, Wayne State University Law School · 2005–2012[4]
• Democratic nominee for Michigan Secretary of State (lost), Michigan Secretary of State election · 2010[4]
• Law clerk to Judge Damon J. Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit · Mid-2000s[4],[5]

Education

• Bachelor's degree, Wellesley College (1999)[4],[5]
• Master's degree in sociology (Marshall Scholar), University of Oxford[4]
• J.D., Harvard Law School[4],[5]

Where they stand

• Economy & Jobs
  Opposes the Trump administration's tariffs on Canadian goods and proposes negotiating subnational trade agreements between Michigan and Canada so goods moving directly between them are not subject to tariffs.[3]
• Energy & Environment
  Says she will work to end profit-driven utility rate increases and invest in clean energy infrastructure to lower bills; says she will not take contributions from energy companies or corporate PACs.[3],[7]
• Health Care
  Proposes an independent Prescription Drug Affordability Board with authority to review manufacturing practices and approve drug price increases, more low- or no-cost preventive care, and health care price transparency legislation to end surprise billing.[6],[3]
• Housing
  Says she will build more homes faster by cutting red tape in housing processes, and says corporate investors, out-of-state speculators and short-term rental conversions are driving up housing costs.[8]
• Abortion
  Supports abortion rights; backed the 2022 state constitutional amendment establishing a right to reproductive care and the repeal of Michigan's 1931 abortion ban, and says she would work to strengthen access.[9]
• Immigration
  Says that as governor she would use every legal tool available to protect Michigan communities from what she describes as harm from ICE enforcement activity.[3]
• Education
  Sets a goal of making Michigan's public schools among the top 10 in the nation with a data-driven, results-focused plan developed with educators and parents.[1],[10]
• Infrastructure
  Says she would put a moratorium on data centers until enforceable rules are in place requiring public hearings, no tax breaks, protection of water and land, data centers paying for their own power, and union contracts.[11]

Voting record

Jocelyn Benson has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words