Benson Sets Affordability and Voting Rights as Priorities

Jocelyn Benson addressed supporters in Detroit on November 4, after winning Michigan’s gubernatorial election. The Associated Press projected that she defeated Republican U.S. Rep. John James with 55% of the vote on November 3.

Benson Puts Affordability and Voting Rights at Center of Victory

Michigan voters gave Jocelyn Benson a decisive victory, and on November 4 the governor-elect said her administration would prioritize reducing expenses, safeguarding voting rights and making state government work for residents. She defeated Republican John James with 55% of the vote, as projected by the Associated Press.

Benson also named education and energy costs among her priorities, and said she wants to work across party lines. Her promise to put residents first is a direct answer to the cost pressures she highlighted during the campaign, including housing and health care access.

The victory makes Benson Michigan’s first woman governor to follow another woman in the office, Gretchen Whitmer. Benson thanked Whitmer and said the transition would be professional and seamless; Whitmer remains governor until January 1.

Benson appeared with Lt. Gov.-elect Winnie Brinks, with whom she forms the state’s first all-women gubernatorial ticket. Brinks thanked Grand Rapids voters for their support. Democrats also prevailed in Michigan's contests for the Senate seat and secretary of state.

Benson Promises Lower Costs and Cross-Party Governing

Jocelyn Benson now has the task of turning campaign promises on affordability into results. The governor-elect spoke in Detroit on November 4, a day after defeating Republican John James with 55% of the vote, and said lowering living and energy costs would be among her priorities.

Benson also pledged to protect voting rights, improve education and make state government work more effectively. She said she intends to work across party lines and described her goal as a state where working people can afford to build a life.

Those promises set a broad agenda, from household costs to elections and education. Benson campaigned on affordability, election integrity, education investment and access to housing and health care; voters will now judge her administration by whether it delivers on those commitments.

Benson and Lt. Gov.-elect Winnie Brinks will make history as Michigan’s first all-women gubernatorial ticket. Benson thanked outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and said the transition would be seamless. Whitmer remains in office until January 1. Democrats also prevailed in Michigan's Senate election and the secretary of state contest.