Michigan voters will elect a new governor in 2026. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and can’t run again.

The leading candidates to succeed her are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James.

Benson, the Democratic nominee, says her campaign is about lowering costs, raising wages and protecting public safety.

She says her experience as Secretary of State makes her the best candidate.

“I’ve got a track record of running things well, of improving how things are run, saving people time and money and standing up for our rights,” Benson says.

Healthcare, housing and jobs are key

Bringing down the cost of healthcare is one of Benson’s top priorities.

“I’ll reform the Department of Health and Human Services to make it as easy as possible to keep their healthcare benefits,” she says. 

Benson also vows to address Michigan’s housing crisis.

“I will eliminate the bureaucracy that has led to restrictive zoning laws, outdated building codes and slow permitting that has strangled new construction,” she says.

On the jobs front, Benson says Michigan needs a fresh approach to creating jobs and raising wages.

“That will include doing away with the one-size-fits-all model we currently have and instead, invest in small and micro business growth,” she says.

On data centers

Benson supports a moratorium on data centers until the state can put environmental and economic guardrails in place. She also says people who live near proposed data center projects should have input.

“That means full transparency from companies, no backroom deals and public hearings where companies have to answer the people’s questions,” she says.

As governor, Benson says she would create a statewide portal that lets residents see where data center developers are applying for permits to build.

Her Republican opponent, John James, has also called for a moratorium on data centers. One of his main priorities has been improving education.

On education

The Annie E. Casey Foundation and other groups have ranked Michigan near the bottom of all states when it comes to public education.

Benson says as a former educator, she has a plan to turn that around. It includes increasing teacher salaries, investing in early childhood education and implementing a science-based reading curriculum.

“The Science of Reading has worked in other states to turn around reading scores and make sure kids are reading at their grade level,” she says.

On working with Washington

One advantage James might have in the race is his relationship with President Donald Trump. The White House might be friendlier to a Republican governor. Gov. Whitmer has tried to have a good working relationship with Trump, appearing with him at the White House in 2025. 

Benson says she also wants to work with Trump on things that benefit Michigan but will stand up to him on things that might hurt the state. She doubts James will do that.

“He has not stood up to the president to try to negotiate a better tariff or tax rate for the people of Michigan,” she says. “He has only done whatever Donald Trump asks.”

James has said he could negotiate a better tariff deal for Michigan but would not let the state become collateral damage in a trade war with Canada. He has also introduced legislation to provide refunds and tariff credits to eligible businesses.

WDET has invited James to have a deeper conversation about his vision for Michigan. His campaign is working on arranging a time and date for that interview.