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Democrat Jocelyn Benson wins Michigan governor’s race
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Jocelyn Benson has been projected as Michigan’s next governor, succeeding term-limited Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and extending Democratic control for another four years.
- Benson, currently Michigan’s secretary of state, defeated Republican Rep. John James, marking the first time since the 1960s that a Democrat will succeed another Democratic governor in the state.
- Michigan Democrats aim to secure state legislative majorities, needing to net four House seats while holding the Senate to achieve full control of the state government.
- The gubernatorial race occurred amid a competitive Senate contest between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, with the state having narrowly favored Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
- The campaign featured debates over issues such as the Iran war and data center investments, with James distancing himself from Trump despite initial support, and both candidates accusing each other of profiting from data centers.
