Jocelyn Benson says Democrats have ‘mandate.’ How she plans to lead Michigan

After a commanding victory, Gov.-elect Jocelyn Benson called the results a ‘mandate’ to follow through on lowering costs, improving the state
Benson will enjoy Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, though observers warn a friendly Legislature doesn’t equate to rubber stamps
Tops on Benson’s list: Transparency, lowering bills, improving schools

Following a wave election that will bring them control of state government in 2027, Democrats now have to meet the realities of government and the execution of an ambitious policy agenda laid out on the campaign trail.

On Wednesday, Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson called the election “a clear mandate to work for (Michiganders), to lower costs, to grow our economy, to improve our public schools, and get things done.”

She should have the backing to enact her agenda, after Democrats flipped 11 seats in the state House and three in the Senate to achieve broader majorities than what Democrats clinched in 2023 and 2024.

They will control the House 63-47 and Senate 23-15 at the start of the new legislative session in 2027.

But political observers cautioned winners not to misread the results of an election that many see as a rebuke of Republican President Donald Trump.

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Benson and others shouldn’t think voters “have fallen back in love with Democrats,” said Brandon Dillon, a lobbyist and former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Even so, voters “certainly sent a message” they need a break from Trump’s agenda and relief from rising costs, Dillon said.

Democrats will also face realities that could limit their ambitions — in particular policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill that could leave lawmakers with a substantial budget deficit in the new year.

“To the extent that the policy agenda depends on money, the fiscal picture is not real bright right now,” said Bob Schneider, research associate at the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council.

‘Quick relief’ on costs of living

As she prepares to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Jan. 1, Benson said she’s working to identify “where we can deliver quick relief in the early days of our new term, beginning with the bills families feel every month.”

“Voters in Michigan spoke loud and clear — they want leaders who will work together to lower their costs and grow our economy,” she said. “I know that the costs hitting people’s pocketbooks hurt monthly. We cannot wait to get things done.”

Benson was light on specifics, but she suggested part of that strategy could involve working Trump on tariff solutions or aggressively recruiting employers with well-paying job opportunities for Michigan residents.

At a debate less than a month ago, Benson was adamant: “I will call Canada and negotiate a contract between Michigan and Canada to eliminate the tariffs and the costs in Michigan.”

After the election, Benson was more measured, offering to work with Trump.

“If we can work together to protect the people of Michigan from the harm that these tariffs have caused, I would love to and I’m open to that,” Benson said.

Options are limited for state leaders facing economic headwinds, as many of the causes are systemic or decided at the federal level.

And the state’s financial situation remains an open question.

Changes to payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid could represent “either a mildly tough challenge or or maybe a really tough challenge,” said Schneider, the policy analyst.

Revenue estimates officials will finalize in January could mean “we’re $700 million in the hole before we even start thinking about new stuff” or perhaps the state’s budget remains balanced after a recent surge in revenue brought on in part by tariff refunds, Schneider said.

Winnie Brinks, Benson’s running mate and current Senate Majority Leader, demurred when asked Wednesday about what she believes Democrats can achieve.

“The world changed a lot yesterday, so that may have an impact on what is possible,” said Brinks, who will become president of the Senate as lieutenant governor.

“So I’m not going to get ahead of myself on that.”

Gas tax future, new revenue options?

Michigan has the sixth-highest gas tax in the nation, at 52.4 cents a gallon, and officeholders nationwide have mentioned they may consider a tax holiday as gas remains well over $4 a gallon.

During the campaign, Benson initially had concerns about a state gas tax holiday, though she said during an October debate that she was open to the idea.

On Wednesday, Benson said reducing gas taxes remains an option in the short term. But she said the state should overhaul how road repairs are funded.

“We need to think about how to restructure our budget process so that we are identifying new sources of revenue that can help pay our bills in the state, but also streamlining how things are spent so that we’re reducing costs as well,” she said.

According to the Department of Treasury, 98% of all funds generated at the pump now go back to state and local road agencies for construction, maintenance and upkeep.

Commitment to transparency

Michigan has long been considered one of the worst states in the nation for government transparency.

As of Tuesday, Michigan is projected to be the only state that fully exempts the governor’s office and Legislature from public records laws.

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question this week expanding the state’s public records law to include those officeholders.

The Freedom of Information Act applies to state departments, schools and local government agencies across Michigan, but critics argue the process is riddled with loopholes and often results in high costs and long delays.

On Wednesday, Benson reiterated her promise to voluntarily make the governor’s office open to FOIA “on Day 1.”

“We’ve got plenty of examples in other states to craft our policies by, and we’ll release those specific policies in the weeks ahead,” she said. “But they will begin with my administration on Jan. 1.”

Managing a trifecta

Benson may have the backing of Democrats in the Legislature, but observers say that doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing.

Democrats’ broad gains — the largest shift in power in the state House since 1964 — also means the caucus will have a broader coalition, with both moderates and Democratic socialists among the new members.

That can cause friction with other members who have their own policy priorities.

Dillion, the former Democratic Party chair, predicted “this Legislature is going to be a little bit more assertive, I would think, and not necessarily give as much deference to the governor.”

“In order to get things done here, you’re going to have to have strong relationships, personal relationships with the leadership in the legislature and other members,” Dillon added. “It’ll be a give and take.”

Benson said voters “want leaders who will work together.”

Tom Leonard, a former Republican House speaker who ran for governor this year, predicted Benson “is going to want to be very hands on” and more involved in policymaking than Whitmer has been in the final two years of her term.

A broad majority can actually offer additional difficulties, Leonard explained, as members may feel more freedom to diverge on their priorities or hold out for an ask in exchange for their support.

“It’s the most rewarding part of the job, but it can also be the most taxing,” Leonard said, who considers Benson a friend.