Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made her run for governor official on Wednesday after she accidentally posted a 2026 campaign announcement on Tuesday night and quickly took it down.
The 2026 governor’s race in Michigan promises to be extremely competitive as current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Benson, who has served in her position since 2019, took shots at President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in her announcement video.
“I’ve spent my life standing up to powerful interests and bullies, and I’ll keep standing up to any bullies or billionaires who try to deceive us, divide us, take away our rights, or deny anyone the opportunity to get a fair shot,” Benson said as her video showed clips of Trump and Musk. “I’m running for governor to truly make government work for everyone.”
I’m running to be Governor of Michigan to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
I’m a mom, military spouse, educator — and Michigan’s Secretary of State.
I’ve never backed down from a tough fight or hard work. And I know together we can build the future Michiganders deserve. pic.twitter.com/v0EMMffwFX
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) January 22, 2025
Benson accidentally announced her run for governor in a post on X on Tuesday night and quickly deleted it.
Michigan Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson accidentally announces then quickly deletes a post acknowledging her 2026 run for governor. pic.twitter.com/VLhLfx5Q7L
— Jordyn Hermani (🔈: “HermanE”) (@JordynHermani) January 22, 2025
She was also criticized for publicly announcing her run for governor on Wednesday in a government building in Lansing, a move that some argue violates a Michigan state law prohibiting “a person acting for a public body” from using “funds, personnel, office space, computer hardware or software, property, stationery, postage, vehicles, equipment, supplies, or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure or provide volunteer personal services.”
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During her time in office, Benson has been repeatedly rebuffed by courts for attempting to create new rules for poll watchers without going through the proper process. Benson was also challenged by the Republican National Committee in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election for allegedly issuing guidance contradictory to Michigan law regarding absentee ballots.
Benson is the first Democrat to officially announce her bid for governor. Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt was the first Republican to throw his hat in the ring for the 2026 race earlier this month, and former Detroit Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan announced that he was running for governor as an independent in early December.
Benson will likely face multiple candidates in the Democratic primary. Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel have been floated as potential candidates running for the governor’s mansion on the Democratic side.
[#item_full_content]
[[{“value”:”
Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made her run for governor official on Wednesday after she accidentally posted a 2026 campaign announcement on Tuesday night and quickly took it down.
The 2026 governor’s race in Michigan promises to be extremely competitive as current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Benson, who has served in her position since 2019, took shots at President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in her announcement video.
“I’ve spent my life standing up to powerful interests and bullies, and I’ll keep standing up to any bullies or billionaires who try to deceive us, divide us, take away our rights, or deny anyone the opportunity to get a fair shot,” Benson said as her video showed clips of Trump and Musk. “I’m running for governor to truly make government work for everyone.”
I’m running to be Governor of Michigan to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
I’m a mom, military spouse, educator — and Michigan’s Secretary of State.
I’ve never backed down from a tough fight or hard work. And I know together we can build the future Michiganders deserve. pic.twitter.com/v0EMMffwFX
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) January 22, 2025
Benson accidentally announced her run for governor in a post on X on Tuesday night and quickly deleted it.
Michigan Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson accidentally announces then quickly deletes a post acknowledging her 2026 run for governor. pic.twitter.com/VLhLfx5Q7L
— Jordyn Hermani (🔈: “HermanE”) (@JordynHermani) January 22, 2025
She was also criticized for publicly announcing her run for governor on Wednesday in a government building in Lansing, a move that some argue violates a Michigan state law prohibiting “a person acting for a public body” from using “funds, personnel, office space, computer hardware or software, property, stationery, postage, vehicles, equipment, supplies, or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure or provide volunteer personal services.”
CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT
During her time in office, Benson has been repeatedly rebuffed by courts for attempting to create new rules for poll watchers without going through the proper process. Benson was also challenged by the Republican National Committee in the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election for allegedly issuing guidance contradictory to Michigan law regarding absentee ballots.
Benson is the first Democrat to officially announce her bid for governor. Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt was the first Republican to throw his hat in the ring for the 2026 race earlier this month, and former Detroit Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan announced that he was running for governor as an independent in early December.
Benson will likely face multiple candidates in the Democratic primary. Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel have been floated as potential candidates running for the governor’s mansion on the Democratic side.
“}]]
