LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s Democratic Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, officially announced her candidacy for governor on Wednesday, aiming to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This announcement comes as the Democratic Party in Michigan seeks to regroup following substantial losses in the November elections, where former President Donald Trump and the Republicans gained ground.

Benson, who is recognized for her pivotal role as the state's chief elections administrator during the contentious 2020 and 2024 elections, positions herself as the first significant Democratic candidate to enter the race. As the new front-runner, she must navigate a challenging political landscape, particularly among voters disillusioned after supporting Trump in the last election.

Her platform is centered on her leadership experience in safeguarding the electoral process and encompasses goals such as enhancing education, reducing living costs, and retaining Michigan residents. Benson has committed to standing up to “powerful interests,” including Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, with whom she has had prior conflicts over election-related misinformation.

Having gained national attention for defending the integrity of the 2020 election results, Benson emphasized the importance of staying engaged in the Democratic Party amidst turmoil, stating, “For me, it's important that in moments like this, we don't flee from the party, but we stay and fix it” in a televised interview. Her administration has focused on expanding voter access and implementing a constitutional amendment that established an early voting period in Michigan.

Benson's entry into the race complicates matters for other potential candidates, particularly Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who recently announced his independent candidacy, circumventing a primary battle with Democrats. Additionally, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Michigan's current Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are also considering entering the race.

On the Republican side, state Senate leader Aric Nesbitt has already begun his gubernatorial campaign, aligning himself with Trump’s agenda while criticizing the current administration for perceived inaction in Lansing.

As she embarks on her campaign, Benson faces the daunting task of unifying a fractured party and winning over voters at a pivotal moment for Michigan politics. For more information, visit Newsweek.