At a glance
Office soughtGovernor of Michigan
ElectionNovember 3, 2026
Current officeMichigan Secretary of State
Party / statusDemocratic · Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan
Current race status: Benson is running in Michigan’s November 3, 2026 gubernatorial general election. Michigan’s Department of State continues to identify her as Secretary of State while she is a candidate for governor.
Candidate questions, answered clearly
Who is Jocelyn Benson?
Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s Secretary of State. Before statewide office, she served as dean of Wayne State University Law School. Her professional background includes election law, civil rights, higher education, and public administration.
What office is she running for?
Jocelyn Benson is running for Governor of Michigan in the November 3, 2026 election.
What has her public career included?
Her public-service record includes statewide election administration, Department of State services, legal education, civil-rights work, and election-law scholarship.
Where can voters verify the record?
Use the official election authority, public-office record, and candidate-controlled campaign source below. VivaHer shows its verification date but does not replace the election authority responsible for ballot status or certified results.
Public-service path
Before 2019
Served as dean of Wayne State University Law School and worked in election law, civil rights, and legal education.
2019
Became Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State.
2023
Began a second term as Secretary of State.
2026
Advanced to the November 3 gubernatorial general election.
Official sources
Michigan Secretary of StateCurrent statewide office and Department of State information.Michigan electionsOfficial Michigan election administration, voter information, and results resources.2026 election-administration firewallOfficial state record acknowledging Benson’s dual role as Secretary of State and candidate for governor.Official campaignCandidate-controlled source for campaign information and stated priorities.
Image / graphic source record
Pre-rebuild source record: Primary sources were the Michigan Secretary of State biography and Jocelyn Benson’s official campaign site. Portrait use remains subject to the originating page’s terms; the credit/source record is retained with the final graphic.
View the complete Candidate Connection image-source register →
Pre-rebuild source record: Primary sources were the Michigan Secretary of State biography and Jocelyn Benson’s official campaign site. Portrait use remains subject to the originating page’s terms; the credit/source record is retained with the final graphic.
View the complete Candidate Connection image-source register →