Jocelyn Benson
Michigan Secretary of State · Democratic · Michigan
Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s two-term Secretary of State and a former law-school dean, running in Michigan’s open 2026 race for governor.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A nationally known election administrator with a reform record on voting access and customer service, seeking to move from statewide administrator to governor.
Core Strength
Statewide executive experience, strong name recognition, and a record on modernizing services.
Core Weakness
A competitive primary and a general election in a closely divided swing state.
Recent Action
Entered Michigan’s open 2026 gubernatorial race as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was term-limited.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- 98%
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- $55M
Roll-call or session participation — did they show up?
Official ethics findings or court records only.
State election-administration and licensing services directed during her tenure (absolute).
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Supports3
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Backs clean-energy investment and climate action.
Healthcare—Supports3
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
Supports expanding coverage and lowering costs.
Second Amendment—Supports3
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
Supports expanded background checks and firearm-safety measures.
Immigration—Supports3
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports comprehensive reform with a pathway to citizenship.
Roe v. Wade—Supports4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
Supports codifying abortion-access protections into state law.
National Security—Mixed / Partial3
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Emphasizes diplomacy and congressional authorization; no clear position on the 2025 strikes.
Party Loyalty
Party-line alignment on major recorded votes.