Michigan Gubernatorial Nominee Jocelyn Benson Selects Senate Leader Winnie Brinks as Running Mate

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Michigan Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson announced Wednesday that she has selected State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate for lieutenant governor, solidifying the party's statewide ticket ahead of the November general election.

Ticket Formation and Legislative Partnership

Speaking before supporters in Grand Rapids, Benson highlighted Brinks' legislative leadership in steering Michigan's state budget, advancing clean energy manufacturing incentives, and expanding state-funded pre-kindergarten education. Brinks, who made history in 2023 as Michigan's first female Senate Majority Leader, represents Kent County, a pivotal electoral swing region in Western Michigan.

If victorious on November 3, 2026, the Benson-Brinks pairing would mark the first time in Michigan history that two women serve concurrently as governor and lieutenant governor, succeeding term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

General Election Matchup and Policy Stakes

The Democratic ticket faces Republican nominee John James and his running mate, State Representative Jay DeBoyer. The gubernatorial contest will decide executive control over Michigan's $82 billion annual budget, appointments to state regulatory commissions, and administrative oversight of Michigan's industrial electrification corridors.

Campaign leaders outlined core platform commitments focusing on infrastructure revitalization, public education per-pupil funding guarantees, and modernizing municipal water treatment systems across the state.

Campaign Trail Schedule

The Benson-Brinks campaign launched an immediate eight-city statewide tour on Wednesday afternoon, with scheduled campaign rallies in Kalamazoo, Flint, Lansing, and Detroit over the next three days.