MI-GOV: Benson establishes firewalls for 2026 election, recuses herself from gubernatorial race decisions
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor in November 2026, announced Wednesday evening that the Department of State is establishing a set of firewalls in the 2026 election, especially around the gubernatorial race, in which Benson said she “will formally recuse herself from procedures which could affect the gubernatorial race and will delegate those responsibilities to the director of elections,” according to a press release from the department.
Benson sent a letter to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, which already is the body tasked with certifying results for all statewide and federal elections and state legislative races that cross county lines, outlining the details of the policy to avoid any potential conflicts of interest within the gubernatorial race.
Specifically, the letter details that Benson will not be informed of any affidavit of identity disqualifications, candidate or ballot measure petition submissions, recount petitions and post-election audit results until after the Board of State Canvassers has completed the relevant processes for those actions.
Additionally, Benson will be isolated from conversations around declaratory ruling requests and campaign finance law violations.
https://michiganadvance.com/2026/05/07/benson-establishes-firewalls-for-2026-election-recuses-herself-from-gubernatorial-race-decisions/