Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson accidentally let it slip on social media Tuesday night that she’s running for governor. After quickly deleting the post, the Democrat officially announced her candidacy for governor at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday.

The 47-year-old Democrat becomes the third major candidate to declare for the race to replace Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced in December that he would run as an independent and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said earlier this month he would seek the Republican nomination.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has officially thrown her hat into the ring for Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in the state’s political future.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become the first Democrat to announce a run for governor in 2026. In announcing her run Wednesday, Jan. 22, Benson said she’s running because the state needs a leader who will save Michiganders time and money,

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) announced she is running for governor on Wednesday, becoming the first major Democratic candidate to jump into the race. “I’m running for

Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running for governor of the all-important swing state

Jocelyn Benson, 47, of Detroit, said she wants to be known as "the governor who puts transparency and efficiency at the forefront."

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, announced Wednesday that she is launching a campaign for governor.

Michigan’s Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November’s significant losses in the battleground state.

Michigan's Democratic secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, has announced her candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, hoping to take over from Gretchen Whitmer. Her entrance comes as Democrats navigate significant losses after President Trump secured Michigan in the November election.

Michigan will see a major change come 2026, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, due to term limits, will not be able to seek reelection. This means the State’s highest office will be up for grabs with no incumbent in place,