Benson Targets State Costs

Jocelyn Benson is campaigning for Michigan governor on a promise to lower living costs for families. She is the Democratic candidate in the 2026 election. She currently serves as the Secretary of State, a role she has held since 2019.

Benson told Stateside host April Baer that she views the upcoming election as a choice between two different paths for the state. She cited her role as a mother to a 10-year-old boy as a driving force behind her candidacy. She said the decisions made over the next eight years will define her child's future and that of families across Michigan.

She claimed her tenure as Secretary of State improved the state's infrastructure. Benson stated that Michigan elections moved from a 30th ranking to second nationwide in safety and accessibility. She also noted that the state saw three consecutive years with the highest voter turnout in its history. She described the Department of Motor Vehicles as a transformed agency that now saves residents time and money.

Benson proposed specific changes to state education funding. She said she would continue the reinvestment started by the Whitmer administration, including free lunch and breakfast programs. She pledged to increase teacher pay and restructure the funding model to meet the unique needs of every school district. She argued that three decades of defunding by Republicans contributed to current reading score challenges.

Healthcare affordability is a central part of her platform. Benson said she would make the Department of Health and Human Services more efficient. She plans to help residents appeal insurance denials and tackle medical debt. She contrasted her plan with her opponent, claiming the Republican candidate raised healthcare premiums three times while in Congress.

She addressed the impact of tariffs on Michigan businesses. Benson said she would negotiate subnational agreements with Canada to minimize the negative effects of these tariffs. She cited Maine's agreement on rock salt as a model for such deals. She proposed exemptions for specific goods, particularly auto suppliers, to protect Michigan jobs and costs.

Benson outlined a plan to improve housing and energy affordability. She said she would increase the supply of affordable housing and support first-time and second-time homeowners. She also proposed investing in clean energy infrastructure to reduce electricity bills. She emphasized the need to make childcare more affordable and to diversify the economy to create well-paying jobs.

Data center development remains a contentious issue in local communities. Benson called for a moratorium on new projects until guardrails are in place. She wants protections for water resources and energy costs. She said she would create a public portal where residents can review proposed data centers. She claimed her opponent has voted four times against giving local citizens a voice in these decisions.

The interview also touched on election security. Benson said she has prepared for potential interference from federal actors or other bad actors. She emphasized the need for the next governor to be ready to defend election results. She ended the discussion by reiterating her commitment to making Michigan a place where young people choose to stay.