Grand Rapids – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Wednesday that she will run for governor with state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her lieutenant‑governor candidate. The announcement took place at a gathering in Grand Rapids, underscoring the ticket’s ties to western Michigan.
Brinks makes history
Winnie Brinks becomes the first woman to serve as Senate Majority Leader in the Michigan Senate and now the first woman to be selected for the Democratic lieutenant‑governor slot. Brinks previously served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and worked as a case worker for The SOURCE, a nonprofit that provides employee support services on the state’s west side.
Brinks resides in Grand Rapids with her husband and their three daughters. She is an alumna of Calvin College, a private Christian liberal‑arts school in Grand Rapids.
Election landscape
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term‑limited, leaving the 2026 gubernatorial race wide open. Benson’s ticket will face Republican nominee John James, a former U.S. House member, and State House Representative Jay DeBoyer, who is running as a Republican challenger. Libertarian candidate Anthony Hudson also appears on the ballot.
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Michigan voters will decide not only the governor but also the lieutenant governor, as the two run on a joint ticket.
Implications for voters
The Benson‑Brinks ticket emphasizes experience in both statewide administration and legislative leadership. Benson, as the state’s top election official, brings a background in election integrity and voter protection. Brinks adds legislative expertise and a record of working on family‑focused policies, which may appeal to parents and faith‑based voters across the state.
Both candidates have highlighted their commitment to supporting Michigan families, protecting constitutional rights, and fostering economic growth in the wake of post‑pandemic challenges.
What’s next
Following the announcement, the Democratic ticket will begin a statewide campaign tour, meeting with community leaders, faith groups, and business owners. The campaign is expected to focus on issues such as public‑school funding, infrastructure investment, and safeguarding individual liberties.
Voters can expect a series of town‑hall meetings and candidate forums in major Michigan cities, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint, as the race intensifies over the coming months.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
