Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson announced Wednesday that Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks will join her ticket as the candidate for lieutenant governor, setting up a November contest that will feature two prominent legislative figures as running mates.
Benson made the announcement at a news conference in Grand Rapids, where she said she wanted a partner committed to representing voters across Michigan.
“My friends, the choice facing Michigan voters this fall is going to be: who do your leaders work for?” Benson said. “I wanted a running mate who will ensure, along with me, that we will work for the people.”
Brinks, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, said she wants to build on the party’s priorities of making Michigan more affordable.
“As your next lieutenant governor, I want to build on the progress that we’ve made by supporting Jocelyn’s vision of lowering costs, raising wages, and making Michigan a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive,” Brinks said.
The announcement came less than a week after Republican gubernatorial nominee John James announced state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate.
James’ campaign and the Michigan Republican Party both issued statements reacting to Benson’s announcement Wednesday (Aug. 19).
James, a Republican congressman from Shelby Township, described DeBoyer as a partner who can help address what he called waste and abuse in state government.
“This is a man who’s gone after fraud, waste, and abuse of the powerful in Lansing to hold them accountable to you,” James said.
DeBoyer, a Republican from Clay Township, chairs the Michigan House Oversight Committee. He was first elected to the House in 2022 and previously served as St. Clair County clerk for 12 years.
He also has owned a lumber business since 1994, according to the Michigan House Republicans’ website.
As oversight chair, DeBoyer has been a frequent critic of Benson, including during disputes over election-related records and state campaign law.
Republican strategists have said his legislative experience and conservative credentials could help James rally the party’s base after a divisive primary.
“What we have going on is a choice,” DeBoyer said after being selected. “It’s a choice between freedom and prosperity or big government socialism.”
Two tickets, different goals
Brinks has served in the Michigan Senate since 2019 and became the chamber’s Democratic leader. She previously served three terms in the Michigan House after winning election in 2012.
Her selection gives Benson a running mate with legislative experience and strong ties to West Michigan.
Brinks also was part of the Democratic legislative majority during the 2023-24 session, when Democrats controlled the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature.
“Basically Democrats have been growing in West Michigan, so someone from West Michigan, someone who’s not a MAGA Republican, not a socialist, not anything but basically a traditional voter — that will help put Jocelyn Benson in the future,” said Ed Sarpolus, executive director of the Lansing-based polling firm Target-Insyght.
Sarpolus said both tickets bring qualities their respective nominees will need to win over voters.
Brinks offers geographic reach and experience in Lansing, while DeBoyer can help James appeal to conservative voters who supported President Donald Trump in 2024.
“What John James is trying to do is to show that he meets the conservative wing,” Sarpolus said. “You have to remember the fact that he needs the voters that came out in 2024, the conservative voters that helped Donald Trump win.”
Benson and Brinks would become Michigan’s first all-female governor and lieutenant governor ticket if elected.
If James were elected, he would also make history as Michigan’s first Black governor.