Results for “Jocelyn Benson”
28 stories
- elections
Muskegon Democrats Lose Debate Stage as Jocelyn Benson Skips Fox 2 Gubernatorial Primary Clash
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will skip Thursday's Fox 2 Democratic gubernatorial primary debate, leaving Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson to face questions alone. Muskegon voters will hear only one side of the primary clash.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - governor
Jocelyn Benson, KKK Funding, SPLC Indictment: Board Member Turned Governor Candidate Faces Mounting Scandals
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson served on the SPLC board from 2014 to 2019, a period that falls entirely within the federal indictment alleging the organization funneled over $3 million to the KKK and other extremist groups. The gubernatorial frontrunner also faces multiple racial discrimination lawsuits and questions about unfulfilled driver license reform promises.
April 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·13 sources - politics
Jocelyn Benson Paid $775,000 To Settle A Racial Discrimination Claim. Three More Lawsuits Followed.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office settled a $775,000 racial discrimination claim in 2024. Since then, three additional lawsuits have been filed by current and former employees, and a senior advisor submitted a sworn affidavit alleging discriminatory practices became department policy.
April 21, 2026·James Thornton | Michigan Capitol Press·6 sources - governor
Jocelyn Benson Proposes Banning Michigan Utilities From Political Spending As Energy Costs Rise
Michigan Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson proposes limiting political spending by DTE and Consumers Energy to end what she calls a conflict of interest between regulated utilities and regulators.
April 14, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Detroit’s Mike Duggan Exits Michigan Governor Race, Clearing Path for Benson
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent campaign for Michigan governor Thursday, citing polling deficits and fundraising shortfalls. His exit clears the path for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and reshapes the 2026 gubernatorial race.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Pontiac Secretary of State Office Closes Two Weeks for Remodeling as Benson Pushes Digital Services
The Pontiac Secretary of State office closes May 21 through June 5 for remodeling. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office urges residents to use online services and nearby self-service kiosks during the shutdown.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Jocelyn Benson's New Election Rule Sparks Conflict of Interest Debate as She Runs for Governor
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is finalizing a conflict-of-interest avoidance guide as she runs for governor, amid Republican calls for her to recuse herself from overseeing the 2026 election while also implementing new rules that expand her authority over voter registrations.
May 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Jocelyn Benson Proposes Banning Utility Political Spending in Michigan
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson proposes banning regulated utilities from spending money to influence or elect politicians in Michigan as part of a broader energy reform plan.
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Swanson, Benson Submit Petitions for Contested Michigan Gubernatorial Primary
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson submit petition signatures for contested Democratic governor primary in August
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Traverse City Voters Could See Ballot Changes as Michigan Minor Parties Sue to Restore Fusion Voting
The Michigan Common Sense Party and Michigan Libertarian Party have sued Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to restore fusion voting, a practice banned in 1895. If successful, Michigan ballots could list candidates under multiple party names.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Grand Rapids Voters Face Crowded 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial Primary as Whitmer Era Ends
Six candidates are competing in Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial primary as Governor Gretchen Whitmer becomes term-limited. The race includes Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Rep. John James, Sen. Aric Nesbitt, former AG Mike Cox, and Perry Johnson.
May 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - accountability
Detroit Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny as Michigan’s First Financial Disclosure Law Reveals Gaps
Michigan's new gubernatorial candidate financial disclosure law reveals stark differences in transparency. Only three of nine candidates disclosed specific dollar amounts. Detroit-linked candidates Jocelyn Benson and Mike Duggan filed contrasting reports as the race heats up.
May 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislation
Lansing Democrats Reintroduce Michigan Voting Rights Act After Supreme Court Strips Federal Protections
Michigan Democrats and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson reintroduced the Michigan Voting Rights Act in Lansing Tuesday, days after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the federal Voting Rights Act. The four-bill package now goes before the Senate Elections Committee.
May 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Benson Credits Transformation of Elections as She Runs for Governor
Jocelyn Benson discusses her achievements as secretary of state, including reducing wait times to 20 minutes or less, increasing voter turnout, and transforming Michigan elections from 31st to 2nd in the country. She is now running for governor.
April 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Kalamazoo County Gets Rx Kids Cash Assistance as State Budget Leaves Program’s Future Uncertain
Rx Kids, a state-funded cash assistance program for new parents, expanded Monday into Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township. But the Michigan Legislature has not yet finalized the budget that would secure the program's long-term state financing.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Warren Voters Will See John James on Ballot as Michigan Canvassers Reject Two Governor Candidates
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified Republican governor candidates John James and Perry Johnson despite signature challenges, while booting Ralph Rebandt and Kim Thomas from the ballot. Warren's own Congressman James survived accusations of fraud.
May 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Grand Rapids on the Line as Michigan Governor Candidates Clash Over Tax Cuts, New State Departments, and Marijuana Taxes
Michigan governor candidates clashed over tax policy, government structure, and economic priorities at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Their proposals will directly impact Grand Rapids businesses and residents.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Flint Sheriff Swanson Gains Open Lane as Mike Duggan Drops Out of Michigan Governor Race
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has dropped out of the Michigan governor race, clearing the field for Democratic candidates including Flint's Chris Swanson and Republican John James. The withdrawal reshapes the August primary race.
May 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - legislation
Dearborn Voters at Center of Michigan Senate Voting Rights Push After Supreme Court Strikes Down Federal Protections
Michigan Senate Democrats advanced a four-bill package to create a state Voting Rights Act after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key federal protections. The bills would require cities like Dearborn to expand language access at polling places and fund translated voting materials.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Michigan Governor Race Heats Up as Perry Johnson Challenges John James with Aggressive TV Ad Blitz and Fundraising Text War
Republican gubernatorial candidates John James and Perry Johnson engage in a fundraising text war and advertising battle as Johnson's $15 million campaign challenges James' moderate approach in Michigan's crowded primary field
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Michigan Officials Slam DOJ Demand for Wayne County Ballots as Federal Interference
Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson jointly condemned a DOJ letter threatening Wayne County with a court order to turn over 2024 election ballots. Officials say the demand is baseless federal interference.
April 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson Files 26,752 Signatures to Run for Michigan Governor
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has filed 26,752 signatures to qualify for the Michigan governor's ballot, joining Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Mayor Tom Leonard in the Democratic primary field.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Michigan Joins 24-State Coalition in Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Mail Voting Executive Order
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson join 24-state coalition in lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting, arguing it violates states' constitutional authority to run elections.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Michigan Secretary of State Promises Swift Legal Action Against Trump's New Mail Voting Executive Order
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has promised swift legal action against President Trump's new executive order restricting mail-in voting and creating a nationwide voter list, calling it illegal on its face and threatening chaos at election steps.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Michigan Officials Vow Legal Challenge to Trump's New Mail-In Voting Executive Order
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel vow legal challenge to President Trump's new executive order seeking to create a federal voter list and restrict mail-in voting. The order has drawn criticism from state officials across the country as unconstitutional federal overreach.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Michigan Officials Vow Legal Challenge to Trump Executive Order Restricting Mail-In Voting
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel have vowed to challenge President Trump's executive order that would restrict mail-in voting and create a federal voter list, calling the order unconstitutional and illegal.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
All 83 Michigan Counties Certify Nov. 8 Election Results, Clearing Path for Whitmer to Become Official
All 83 Michigan counties certified Nov. 8 election results by Tuesday, setting the stage for the Board of State Canvassers to finalize certification by Nov. 28 and make election wins official for Gov. Whitmer and other officials.
April 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Michigan Joins 23-State Coalition Lawsuit Against Trump's Mail-In Voting Executive Order
Michigan joins 23-state coalition lawsuit against Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting, with Whitmer and Benson calling it unconstitutional federal overreach.
April 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources