Housing
Supports faster homebuilding and reducing barriers in housing approval processes.
Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to Michigan · GovernorSourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Jocelyn Benson
Candidate for Governor · Michigan
Running mate: Winnie Brinks
THE PERSON
Background
Jocelyn Benson has served as Michigan secretary of state since 2019. A lawyer and civil-rights advocate, she previously served as dean of Wayne State University Law School and clerked for federal judge Damon J. Keith. Her work has focused on elections, civil rights and government services.
Roots
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Career: Law-school dean; Michigan secretary of state
Education
- Wellesley College · B.A.
- University of Oxford, Magdalen College · M.Phil.
- Harvard University · J.D.
Background sources checked October 26, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Healthcare
Proposes a prescription-drug affordability board, more preventive care, medical-debt relief and legislation against surprise billing.
Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Tech & AI
Supports a data-center moratorium until rules require public participation, no tax breaks, resource protections and developers paying power costs.
Source checked October 26, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
Governor · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked November 3, 2026.
Michigan Department of State · Official November general election candidate listing ↗Portrait source ↗Photo: JFM Photo 73 · CC BY 4.0 · Cropped to fit
The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.