Episode 287- Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Series- Jocelyn Benson

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson brings her vision for Michigan's future to The Common Bridge, outlining why she's running for governor in 2026 and what she hopes to accomplish for the state's citizens.

At the heart of Benson's campaign is a commitment to making Michigan "the best place to be a kid, raise a kid, and call home." As a mother raising an eight-year-old son in Detroit, she understands firsthand the challenges facing Michigan families. "The work we do over the next 10 years is going to define his future and the future of our loved ones throughout the state," she explains, highlighting the urgency behind her candidacy.

Affordability emerges as the cornerstone of Benson's platform. From cherry farmers in Traverse City who can't afford housing near their work to Detroit families struggling with utility bills, economic anxiety touches every corner of the state. Benson proposes tackling these challenges through strategic investments in affordable housing, healthcare access, and public education while making government work more efficiently for citizens—something she's demonstrated as Secretary of State by modernizing services and eliminating wait times.

The conversation explores Michigan's potential transformation from the "Rust Belt" to what Benson calls the "Innovation Belt." Her vision includes ambitious infrastructure projects like high-speed rail connecting major cities, making Michigan "the small business capital of the nation," and developing talent pipelines through education and workforce training. This economic strategy aims to reverse Michigan's population decline by creating communities where people want to build their futures.

What distinguishes Benson's approach is her commitment to collaboration across partisan lines. Having won her 2022 election by 14 points—carrying counties other Democrats couldn't win—she emphasizes the importance of listening to all voices and finding common ground. "No one party has all the ideas," she says, rejecting the polarization that dominates much of today's political discourse.

As Michigan's chief election officer who improved the state's ranking from 31st to 2nd in election administration, Benson understands how good governance builds trust. Her campaign represents an opportunity to demonstrate that politics can still be about solving problems rather than stoking division—a message that resonates in these challenging times.

Whether you're concerned about economic opportunity, education, infrastructure, or the political climate, Benson's conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on Michigan's challenges and potential solutions. Subscribe to The Common Bridge for more nonpartisan discussions exploring our shared political landscape.

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