Jocelyn Benson running for Michigan governor after serving as SOS since 2019

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running for governor.

The backstory:

"I am running for Governor because our state needs a bold leader who will save all Michiganders time and money, deliver real results that improve everyone’s lives, and protect our residents. And that’s what I’ve done my entire career," she said in a press release.

Speculation that Benson would seek the role came to a head Tuesday when she posted and then deleted a campaign post on social media. She made the announcement official with a video Wednesday morning.

Benson has been Michigan's SOS since 2019. She's now setting her sights on replacing outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Voters will decide on the next governor in 2026.

"This campaign is about ensuring government is on your side. I want Michigan to be the best place in the country to be a kid, raise a kid, and be healthy, safe, and successful. A place where government is efficient and easy to deal with, where businesses and communities thrive, and where every resident has access to quality child care, health care, education, and housing," she said in a statement. "As governor I will bring people together to solve our biggest problems and make sure everyone has a fair shot."

The other side:

Benson joins a long list of potential gubernatorial candidates. 

VIEW: Possible Michigan governor candidates 

Others who have said they are seeking the office include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent candidate, and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who is running on the GOP side.

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