DGA Statement on Governor-Elect Jocelyn Benson’s Victory in Michigan

DGA Statement on Governor-Elect Jocelyn Benson's Victory in Michigan

DGA Chair Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released the following statement on Jocelyn Benson being elected the next governor of the state of Michigan:

"Congratulations to Jocelyn Benson on being elected the next governor of Michigan. As Secretary of State, Jocelyn stood up for our democracy and fixed broken systems to save Michiganders time and money. She won this decisive victory by running on plans to make health care, housing, and energy more affordable, while taking on corruption and always standing up to Donald Trump when he hurts working families. Governor-elect Benson has dedicated her career to making government work better for Michigan families and advancing civil rights. That's exactly what she'll do as governor, and the DGA is excited to have her back."

Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson's win tonight is the first time either party in Michigan has won three consecutive terms for governor since the 1980s. The DGA-backed group Making Michigan's Future spent $24 million, including ads starting in August (examples here, here, and here). National Republicans poured nearly $30 million into this race. In early 2025, when national Republicans viewed Michigan as a top pickup opportunity because of a well-funded Independent candidate, the DGA partnered with the Michigan Democratic Party and made early investments in staff on the ground, opposition research, and messaging that helped ensure this was a two-person race before the start of the general election.