Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson accidentally let it slip on social media Tuesday night that she’s running for governor.
After quickly deleting the post, the Democrat officially announced her candidacy for governor at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday.
It’s unclear what caused the slipup, but Benson appeared ready to embrace the spotlight in the morning, issuing a news release and posting a video announcement on social media.
“I’m running to be Governor of Michigan to ensure everyone gets a fair shot,” Benson wrote on X. “I’m a mom, military spouse, educator – and Michigan’s Secretary of State. I’ve never backed down from a tough fight or hard work. And I know together we can build the future Michiganders deserve.”
I’m running to be Governor of Michigan to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) January 22, 2025
I'm a mom, military spouse, educator — and Michigan’s Secretary of State.
I’ve never backed down from a tough fight or hard work. And I know together we can build the future Michiganders deserve. pic.twitter.com/v0EMMffwFX
Benson is the first Democrat to officially announce her run, but the field is expected to get crowded as others seek to follow Governor Gretchen Whitmer, whose term ends in 2027. Other potential Democratic candidates include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak, and former House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit.
In December, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, revealed he’s running for governor as an independent.
The only Republican to announce so far is Senate Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, of Porter Township.
There is still plenty of time for candidates to run. The general election isn’t until November 2026.
Benson gained national attention in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, when Donald Trump and his supporters falsely claimed he won Michigan. Benson defended the integrity of the election process, pushed for reforms, and advocated for stronger ethics rules.
Her efforts to protect democracy earned her widespread recognition, including a Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second highest civilian honor, for withstanding “unprecedented pressure and threats” to overturn the 2020 election.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit.
In a statement to reporters, Benson said she has the experience to become an effective governor.
“I want Michigan to be the best place in the country to be a kid, raise a kid, and be healthy, safe, and successful,” Benson said. “A place where government is efficient and easy to deal with, where businesses and communities thrive, and where every resident has access to quality child care, health care, education, and housing.”
