Jocelyn Benson

Where Benson stands

Topic headings are Vote Book’s; quoted words are each candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Energy & environment

Data centers

I’ll put a moratorium on data centers until we have guardrails in place to protect our water, give local communities a voice, secure union jobs, and require data centers to pay for the power they use.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

Economic development

The MEDC is broken, but I know how to fix broken systems and make government work better.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Everywhere I go in Michigan, I hear stories about the struggles families are enduring as costs continue to skyrocket. Moms are having to choose between whether to eat or pay rent. Seniors are anxious about covering the rising cost of their prescriptions on a fixed income. My affordability agenda details how we can streamline government to provide more support for everyone struggling to make ends meet in this economy, and in my first days in office I will begin putting this plan into motion.

Tariffs on Canada

I hope to be able to work with the federal government to drive down those costs, but I'm also willing to negotiate agreements with our neighbors to the north that are legally enforceable

Background & priorities

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As governor, lowering costs will be a top priority. Everywhere I go in Michigan, it’s clear that people are struggling to pay for childcare, pay for groceries, and buy a home, as the cost of everything continues to skyrocket and government feels too much like an obstacle. I've run one of our state’s most important agencies, saving residents time, saving them money, making their lives easier. Making government work for you and bringing costs down will always be a priority for a Benson administration. • As we work to bring costs down, raising wages will be equally important. As Secretary of …

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I’ve spent the last 18 months building a broad, statewide coalition to win in November. This growing coalition of state and local leaders, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations supporting my campaign to be Michigan’s next governor includes six major statewide labor unions, over 40 state legislators, and dozens of local leaders, faith leaders, and community organizers across the state, among others. You can find a full list of endorsements here: https://www.jocelynbenson.com/endorsements.

Other priorities

Early childhood

I will be a governor who invests in free pre-K, expands Rx Kids, and fights for better pay and dignity for our early childhood

Tribal sovereignty

As governor, I promise to recognize and respect your sovereignty and make sure you have a real seat at the table to solve the most pressing issues impacting your communities every day.