Benson launches statewide town hall, conversation tour

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will visit more than a dozen cities and counties across Michigan starting next week for town halls and conversation with residents as she traverses the gubernatorial primary campaign trail.

That includes stops in Traverse City, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Warren, Flint, Saginaw, Marquette and Detroit.

Benson, one of several 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary candidates, also plans to visit locations in Manistee, Berrien and Wayne counties.

Other Democrats vying for the nomination include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, is running as an independent. Republican candidates include Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township), former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Genesee County truck driver Anthony Hudson and Traverse City native Evan Space.

In a news release, Benson’s campaign said the tour will espouse her “Thrive in Michigan” agenda, focusing on ways the secretary of state, if elected as governor, plans to make Michigan the best place to raise a kid, afford a home, attain a world-class education and where residents don’t have to choose between paying their bills and paying for groceries.

“People in Michigan are looking for a real vision to combat the economic threats coming out of Washington D.C. They want leaders who will hear them, listen to and see their struggles, and then work together to solve real problems to save them time and money,” Benson said in a statement. “That’s why I’m running for governor – to make sure government shows up where you need it, and stays out of where you don’t.”