Jocelyn Benson defeated Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan on August 4, 2026.
Incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was term-limited, leaving the office open in 2026. Michigan has a divided government, meaning neither party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office, which is called a state government trifecta. Either major party could obtain trifecta control as a result of the 2026 elections. Democrats need to maintain the governorship and Senate while gaining the House, and Republicans need to maintain the House while gaining the governorship and Senate.
Benson was elected Michigan Secretary of State in 2018 and was also term-limited in 2026. She earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Oxford University, and her law degree from Harvard. Before her election as secretary of state, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School. Benson also wrote a book called State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process and co-founded Military Spouses of Michigan.
