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Dem’s Campaign To Succeed Whitmer Isn’t Going Great So Far

Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is facing possible violation of campaign laws after she discussed running for governor in 2026 with reporters inside a state-funded building. are receiving.

Benson announced her campaign Wednesday to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. defended She used government-funded facilities because of the cold weather. michigan law MCL 169.267 It prohibits the use of public facilities for campaign activities, potentially putting Benson in legal jeopardy before the gubernatorial race even begins in earnest.

“It’s cold today, isn’t it?” Benson said reporters. “It’s cold and we didn’t want you guys to be standing outside in the cold. That’s why we’re here…Again, this was an effort to make sure no one gets frostbite. ” He also suggested that he was unaware of a rule prohibiting candidates from taking questions from reporters related to their campaigns inside buildings operated by the Michigan Department of State.

“Certainly, it’s never really caught my attention,” she said. Benson added that all other candidates are free to use the building’s lobby for campaign purposes. (Related: Exclusive: Meet the first Republicans to jump into the race to replace Gretchen Whitmer)

“I am not aware of any cold-weather exceptions to the law that prohibit the use of public resources for campaign activities,” a Michigan political lawyer who requested anonymity told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “But if you look at the exchange there, she’s not saying, ‘Well, that’s legal.’ She’s doing it indoors because it’s cold.”

“She prides herself on being the most knowledgeable secretary of state in this country, and she’s been in office for six years pursuing, or at least investigating, potential violations of the law, but I’m still surprised by this. “I don’t know about that,” the lawyer continued.

The attorney cited a previous investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office against Benson for allegedly violating the same law (MCL 169.267) after hosting a campaign event for President Donald Trump in August 2024. There is. Mr. Benson’s spokesperson said The Michigan Advance reported that her office received two complaints after the incident and plans to investigate the matter.

Former Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer told the outlet that the sheriff’s event was “clearly illegal” because of the use of public facilities and employees.

The campaign’s initial agenda expanded beyond debates over the political use of public facilities. Benson also appeared to inadvertently jump on the campaign announcement, declaring his candidacy for the X election one day earlier than planned. In a message, she said she was “overwhelmed” by the support. The post was reportedly deleted shortly after it was uploaded.

“Michigan State, we really appreciate your support today,” Benson wrote in the now-deleted post. “Michiganders are ready to fight for a transparent, affordable, and safer future for all of Michigan. And we’re just warming up.”

Benson previously suspended Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign due to his status as a minor party candidate and the fact that the party cannot elect new electors. It rejected Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s request to remove it from the state ballot in May.

Violating MCL 169.267 carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine for an individual. For offenders who are not individuals, the law authorizes fines of up to $20,000 or a fine equal to the amount of the improper contribution or expenditure, whichever is greater. Lawyers who spoke to DCNF said it was unclear whether Republicans would sue Benson personally or, if they did, her campaign.

Other candidates for the state’s top spot include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent, and Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt. As of this article’s publication, there are no other prominent Democrats running for governor of Michigan other than Benson. Whitmer’s term as governor expires in January 2027.

Benson’s campaign did not respond to DCNF’s request for comment.

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