Jocelyn Benson
Michigan Secretary of State running for the Democratic nomination for governor in the open 2026 race.
Running for Governor · Michigan Secretary of State.
Jocelyn Benson has run Michigan’s elections and motor-vehicle services as Secretary of State, and is seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed the term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
We’re expanding this profile as the campaign develops — positions, endorsements, and funding will be added as they can be verified.
The race
Full race guide Seat Governor
Currently held by Gretchen Whitmer — not running again
Term 4 years · term limits: 2 terms (8 years)
The story Open seat — Whitmer is term-limited.
Also in the Democratic primary
- Chris Swanson Genesee County sheriff.
Possible November opponents
- John James (R) U.S. representative; endorsed by President Trump.
- Perry Johnson (R) Businessman.
Candidate profiles are non-endorsements: every candidate in a covered race gets one, and we publish only what we can verify — how we cover races.