Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is projected to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary held on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, according to CBS News. As of 9 p.m., unofficial results showed Benson leading with 211,877 votes compared to Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson's 38,439 votes.

Benson will face Congressman John James, who won the Republican primary, in the upcoming general election.

Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear congratulated Benson, stating, "Jocelyn understands the challenges families are facing, and she has been a fearless public servant who fixes broken systems and improves the lives of Michiganders." He added that the DGA will fully support her in the high-stakes race to ensure she continues standing up for Michigan residents.

Benson has been critical of former President Donald Trump, who repeatedly claimed voter fraud during the 2020 election. In May 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Benson violated state law by hosting a campaign press conference in a state building's lobby.

Chris Swanson, who attended Mott Community College and the University of Michigan earning bachelor's and master's degrees in public administration, entered the race after gaining national attention for marching with protesters following George Floyd's death and speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Swanson launched the I.G.N.I.T.E. program in Genesee County jails in 2020 to reduce reincarcerations through education.

According to her website, Benson supports data centers coming to Michigan if they bring jobs and maintain low energy costs for residents.

Sources