Jocelyn Benson has built a career in tackling complex challenges. From modernizing Michigan’s Secretary of State office to defending democracy and protecting voting rights, her leadership has been defined by efficiency, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Now, as she sets her sights on the governor’s office, Benson is bringing that same determination to a broader pursuit – ensuring Michigan is a place where every citizen can thrive.
In this interview exclusive with Detroitisit, Benson discusses her vision for Michigan, the challenges ahead, and why she believes leadership rooted in integrity, action, and service is more important than ever.
DII: Why run for governor, and why now? What do you uniquely bring to the role?
Benson: I have the experience and the vision to deliver real results for Michigan.
As Secretary of State, I saw how efficient, well-run government services can make life easier for people. That same approach—cutting waste, streamlining processes, and prioritizing the needs of Michiganders—should apply across state government.
It’s not lost on me that our country is at a crossroads at this moment. Actions being taken at the federal level are divisive and confusing and causing chaos and anxiety. We need strong leadership at the state level to protect Michigan residents. I’m ready to be that firewall—to cut through the noise and deliver stability, safety, and progress. I’m a calm and constant leader, and that’s what is needed in moments like this,
DII: What lessons from your experience as Secretary of State will you carry into your potential role as governor?
Benson: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to take a broken bureaucracy and transform it into an efficient, service-oriented model. When I took office, people were waiting hours for basic services. Our systems were outdated, and Michiganders were frustrated.
One of my first priorities was visiting every Secretary of State office across Michigan within my first 100 days. I worked closely with experts and frontline staff to completely revamp how we deliver services—modernizing our operations, cutting wasteful spending, and making life easier for residents. Now, people are in and out of our offices in under 20 minutes. We launched self-service stations in grocery stores, expanded online services, and introduced mobile branch offices to meet people where they are.
That, to me, is my vision for how government should work. At large, we should meet people where they are.
I’ve done that as Secretary of State, overseeing one of our state’s largest agencies, and I’m excited to ensure all of state government operates that well.
DII: Throughout your career, you’ve tackled complex issues and fought for voter rights. What has shaped your leadership philosophy the most?
Benson: Government should work for the people, plain and simple. That is the essence of what democracy is. Voters tell us what to do.That means listening to their needs, and ensuring that every decision we make is in service of the public good. My leadership philosophy is rooted in service, putting the people above all else, and getting results.
DII: What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges or setbacks?
Benson: I’m a marathoner and a mom. Both require endurance, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to something bigger than yourself.
Knowing that my son is eight years old. In ten years, he’ll be making decisions about his future. I want him—and every child in Michigan—to see this as a place where they can build their lives, raise a family, and thrive. That’s what keeps me going.
It’s deeply ingrained in me to never give up and to always persevere, even if we think the end result is out of reach, we can still get there step by step, one foot in front of the other to make our state really the best place to call home.
DII: The political landscape is increasingly polarized. How do you stay focused on the issues that matter without getting lost in the noise?
Benson: Who you spend your time with matters. That’s why I stay focused on the people I serve. From the working families who are struggling under these reckless tariffs, to educators who are worried about attacks on their work and cuts to funding, and young people wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford a home in Michigan. The work I’ve done as Secretary of State has reinforced my commitment to making sure, no matter where someone lives, who they vote for, or where they come from, that they know the government is on their side.
And no matter who I talk to all across the state, it’s more and more apparent to me how important it is that government truly stands up and cuts costs, provides affordable housing, and invests in education for everyone. When you stay focused on the voices and needs of everyday Michiganders, it’s easy to tune out the noise. And stay focused on solutions.
DII: What are the top three priorities you would focus on immediately if elected?
- Making Michigan the best place to raise a family. That means investing in education, expanding access to healthcare, and ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive.
- Running an efficient, effective government. I know how to cut waste, make government work better, and save Michiganders time and money.
- Standing up for Michigan against political chaos. We’re seeing attacks on fundamental rights and the American Dream. As Secretary of State, I stood up to powerful interests trying to undermine our democracy. As governor, I’ll do the same to protect Michigan families.
DII: As a Democratic leader, what does it mean to you to run in Michigan, a key swing state with a history of political shifts?
Benson: Being governor isn’t about political labels—it’s about making life better for Michiganders.
No matter where you live, how much you earn, or where you come from, you deserve a fair shot at success. That means cutting costs, expanding access to housing, investing in education, and making healthcare more affordable. Those aren’t partisan issues—they’re people’s issues.
DII: Michigan is a diverse state – culturally, economically, and politically. What’s the right approach to governing such a varied population?
Benson: I’ve visited every county in Michigan multiple times in the last 15 years—as a law dean, as Secretary of State, and now as a candidate. What I see, time and time again, is that while Michigan is incredibly diverse, the needs of our people are universal.
Everyone wants to be able to afford a home, send their kids to good schools, feel safe in their communities, and be treated fairly at work. Those are the unifying issues I will focus on—because when we invest in our communities, we all succeed.
DII: What is your go-to strategy when facing professional challenges?
Benson: One foot in front of the other. That’s how you run a marathon, and that’s how you tackle big challenges.
My mentors—people like Carl Levin and Judge Damon Keith—taught me that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome with persistence and focus. Damon Keith likes to say that you eat an elephant one bite at a time, and I like that. I simply keep moving forward because there is no alternative. I’m a very determined warrior, and that comes out in the marathons I run and also the challenges I take on, whether it be as dean of Wayne State Law School or Secretary of State, I like to take on big challenges and slay the dragons that we feel may be unslayable.
DII: If you could leave voters with one key message about your campaign, what would it be?
Benson: I’m prepared to lead on day one.
No one is better prepared to oversee state government than someone who has already run one of the largest agencies in Michigan—and done it in very challenging times, with great success. I didn’t just listen to Michiganders’ concerns about the wait time for services, driver’s licenses, and registrations, I took action, and as a result, have saved every Michigander time and money. I hope that if you ask Michigander, ‘Does the government work for you?’ they can point to our office and say, ‘Yes.’
I have a vision for making Michigan the best state in the country to call home, one where our loved ones across the board are healthy, happy, safe and nearby, and I have a track record of lowering costs and saving Michiganders time and money, while also standing up to anyone, no matter how wealthy or powerful, who would stand In the way of our residents and their safety, their rights and their freedoms.
DII: What is something about you—either personally or professionally—that you think more people should know?
Benson: I love taking on big, seemingly insurmountable problems and solving them.
When I took office, people doubted I could fix one of the most inefficient bureaucracies in the country. But I did. Now, I’m ready to take on Michigan’s biggest challenges—housing, healthcare, mobility/transportation, and education. These are the big problems that I’m passionate about tackling.
I’ve built a career implementing tangible solutions, serving the residents of Michigan, and yes – taking on bullies when necessary. And I want to keep up that work on a broader platform now.
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