Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Wednesday she is running to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, launching a high-profile race to lead one of the nation's most battleground states.
“It's clear that too many people are feeling left out in the cold, and their voices are being drowned out by stronger voices,” Benson said in the announcement video. “I will stand up against bullies and billionaires who try to deceive us, divide us, disenfranchise us, and deny everyone a fair chance.”
The Democratic primary could be crowded, with other prominent state politicians likely to participate, including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg moved from Indiana to Michigan in recent years and there has been speculation that he may seek office there, making him a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Some people think that there is.
Asked in an interview last month if he thought he knew Michigan well enough to run, Buttigieg said: neighborhood. ”
Complicating the Democratic race is the decision of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, to run as an independent for governor.
Other candidates for Michigan governor, whom Donald J. Trump flipped in last fall's presidential election, include Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt.
