Jocelyn Benson Touts Campaign Milestones, Lays Out Vision for Michigan at “One Year Out” Campaign Event
“I will work tirelessly every day to ensure that every Michigander knows, no matter what party they belong to, no matter where they live, that I work for them.”
Yesterday, gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson rallied close to 150 supporters and outlined her vision for Michigan’s future at a campaign event marking one year until the 2026 election. Benson emphasized her commitment to fixing broken systems and building an economy that works for everyday Michiganders, not just the wealthy and powerful.
“Right now in Michigan, people are struggling. Struggling to buy a home. Struggling to find jobs in their chosen field. Worried about whether their kids are getting a good education. Worried that they are one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy,” said Benson. “But you know who can fight back against all of that – and who can fight FOR a Michigan that works for us all? We can.”
Benson framed the 2026 election as a fundamental choice about who Michigan works for, pledging to prioritize the people over corporate interests. She outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on affordability, transparency, and economic opportunity.
Key parts of her plan that will be rolled out over the next few months include:
- Ending political corruption by signing into law the strongest transparency and ethics laws in the country, eliminating dark money and undisclosed corporate influence.
- Expanding economic opportunity through well-paying union jobs and training programs, ensuring quality affordable healthcare for all, and expanding programs like RX Kids to ensure no child lives in poverty.
- Making childcare free for working families, because as she emphasized, “you shouldn’t have to choose between taking care of your kid and paying your electric bill.”
- Investing in world-class public education with real accountability, meaningful support for educators, expanded arts curriculum, and wraparound services for students to prepare Michigan’s kids for the jobs of tomorrow.
Benson continued, “As governor I will work with anyone, anytime, anywhere to get this done. But I will have no patience – none – for politicians who will put their wealthy funders ahead of you. Because the next governor of Michigan must be prepared to build an economy that invests in people while also standing up – to anyone, no matter how wealthy or powerful – who would stand in the way of our citizens and their rights, their freedom, and our democracy.”
The event comes on the heels of historic wins for women governors across the country, with two Democratic women elected governor in New Jersey and Virginia this week, and Mary Sheffield elected as Detroit’s first Black woman mayor.
“I don’t know about you, but I think the year of the women democratic governor begins now,” Benson told supporters, calling on them to join her campaign over the next year to show the nation what Michigan stands for: “A democracy where every vote counts and every voice is heard. A Michigan that works for people. Where life is affordable. Where justice prevails.”