Jocelyn Benson

Five candidates are on the ballot to be Michigan's next governor. Here’s what each had to say about how they would address issues Michiganders face.

Get all the information you need, including candidate interviews and where they stand on issues, for the midterm election happening Nov. 3, 2026.

In November, Michigan voters will elect a new governor. Jocelyn Benson, who currently serves as Secretary of State, is the Democratic candidate in the race.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson is hitting the road on a bus tour during the final days of the election.

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, 9.2% or 679,316 Michiganders have cast ballots in the November election as of Sunday.

In their second gubernatorial debate, Jocelyn Benson tied John James to Trump tariffs and gas prices, while James cited state job losses and school declines.

The Michigan Constitution puts the state board of education independently in charge of public instruction and hiring a state superintendent. John James says as governor, he'd want more control.

Jocelyn Benson frequently tried to tie John James to Donald Trump and unpopular administration policies. James routinely emphasized his willingness to break with the president.

As of Monday, October 5, more than 120,000 Michiganders have already voted. That's roughly 1.7% of active registered voters in Michigan.

Republican gubernatorial candidate John James speaks outside the site of a planned data center in Saline Township on October 2, 2026.