Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson accepted the Democratic nomination for governor, telling supporters the general election will center on whether state government works for everyday residents or powerful political and corporate interests.
Speaking to supporters after winning the Democratic primary Tuesday (Aug. 4) night, Benson thanked voters for their support and immediately turned her focus to the Nov. 3 general election.
“Tonight, the general election begins,” Benson said. “Our opportunity is to grow our coalition to include citizens in every corner of our state.”
Benson, who has served as Michigan’s secretary of state since 2019, framed her campaign around lowering costs, expanding economic opportunity and protecting individual rights. She pledged to work with lawmakers from both parties while promising to challenge those she said stand in the way of her agenda.
“As the next governor of Michigan, I will work with you to drive down costs while expanding our economy,” Benson said. “I’ll work with anyone to get that done, but I will also be ready to stand up to anyone, no matter how wealthy or powerful, who gets in our way.”
Benson continued: “Tonight marks our opportunity to grow our coalition to include citizens in every corner of our state who believe as we do. That the power of the people must always be greater than the people in power.”
Throughout her speech, Benson highlighted her background as the daughter of public school teachers, the wife of a combat veteran and the mother of a 10-year-old son.
She said those experiences shape her priorities on education, health care, housing affordability and child care.
Benson called for expanding affordable housing, improving access to health care, investing in public education and building what she described as a government that “saves us time, saves us money and makes our life easier.”
She also emphasized protecting abortion rights and voting rights, issues that have been central to her tenure as secretary of state.
Benson criticized President Donald Trump and accused Republican leaders of supporting his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
She pointed to her legal battles defending Michigan’s election system, saying she would continue to defend voting rights if elected governor.
“I am not afraid to stand up to anyone who would try to take away your rights and freedoms,” Benson told supporters.
Without naming her Republican opponent, Benson argued the general election would present voters with competing visions for Michigan’s future.
She accused Republicans of supporting policies that would increase health care and housing costs while contrasting them with her own agenda focused on affordability and economic growth.
Benson urged supporters to begin organizing immediately for the fall campaign by knocking on doors, making phone calls and talking with voters across the state.
“The eyes of the nation are on Michigan,” Benson said. “Show the nation who we are, what we stand for and who we are fighting for.”
Michigan’s general election for governor is scheduled for Nov. 3.