LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sat down with 7 News Detroit anchor Mike Duffy after announcing that she will be running for governor in 2026. Benson, a Democrat, is the latest person to throw their name in the gubernatorial race.
"As Secretary of State, I've worked hard to make sure our government works well for everyone. And now I want to make sure every agency works as well as ours and that we continue to make Michigan the best place to be a kid, or raise a kid, or call home," she said in an interview with 7 News Detroit.
Related Video: Benson sits down with 7 News Detroit anchor Mike Duffy after announcing run for governor
Benson said because of her experience she believes she is the best person for the job.
"I know how to run a state agency, and I'm the best person positioned to be the state's next chief executive, because running a state agency can be complicated. Overseeing a government bureaucracy can be challenging. We've been able to cut through the red tape, cut wasteful spending and just deliver results by saving people time and money all across our state. And really, that's what government should be. I want people to be able to look at Michigan's government and know it's on their side," she said.
Benson told Duffy that part of her mission if elected would be fixing the housing crisis.
"Housing in Michigan should be affordable. And building a home or having a home or paying for energy cost for that home, all of it should be transparent and affordable as well. So our vision for Michigan is one in which housing is affordable, in which you can afford to live or rent a home in the community you want to be in, and then be safe in that home and in that community and in your workplace, and your kids safe in schools. So all of that will be part of the agenda that we bring forward to Michigan residents," said Benson.
She also talked about her vision for Michigan schools.
"I've already started speaking with educators, business leaders, employers, others who have a vision, who have plans for ensuring our education system K-12 is ready to go and training our next generation of workers, employers and talents in the state. And then after that, I want every high school graduate to be able to get a paid job, either as an apprenticeship program, a paid year of service. I want to launch a Michigan Corps where every high school graduate can, if they want, get paid to give a year of service to the state. And then after that, get money to invest in their education or start their own business or of course, take a path to a four-year college degree or two-year degree, if that's where someone wants to go," she said.
Benson was first elected Secretary of State in 2018 that saw Michigan elect three women to the top state positions – along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Benson graduated from Harvard Law School and eventually served as the dean of the Wayne State University Law School. She left the university to lead the Ross Initiative for Sports Equality.
In 2010, Benson published a book titled “State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process”
She ran for secretary of state in 2010 but lost to Ruth Johnson, but successfully won her race in 2018 and re-election in 2022.
During her time as secretary of state, Benson oversaw the elections in 2020 and 2022, which saw record-breaking turnout, and also worked to improve SOS services throughout the state.
Her office said she doubled the number of services that can be done online, installed 160 self-service stations across the state and more.
Also in the race is Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Duggan announced his candidacy in December but he is running as an Independent. Aric Nesbitt, the Republican Minority leader in Michigan's senate, also announced that he will be running for governor in 2026.
