Benson pledges tariff exemptions and data center moratorium in bid for Michigan governor

Jocelyn Benson, the current Michigan Secretary of State, has positioned her campaign for the 2026 governor's race around reducing costs for working families and improving state efficiency. Speaking to Stateside host April Baer, Benson detailed a platform focused on lowering healthcare premiums, increasing affordable housing supply, and negotiating subnational trade agreements with Canada to mitigate the impact of federal tariffs.

Benson highlighted her tenure in the Department of State, noting that Michigan's election system moved from a 30th national ranking to second in safety, security, and accessibility. She credited the department with achieving the highest voter turnout in state history for consecutive cycles. She also pointed to the Department of Motor Vehicles as a model for efficient government, citing the installation of kiosks in grocery stores to save residents time and money.

Healthcare affordability is a central pillar of her economic plan. Benson stated that her opponent voted three times to raise health insurance premiums while in Congress. In contrast, Benson proposed making the Department of Health and Human Services more efficient to help residents appeal unfair insurance denials and manage medical debt. She emphasized the need for greater transparency in medical billing to control rising costs for small business owners and families.

The candidate outlined specific measures to address housing and energy markets. She plans to increase the supply of affordable housing while supporting first-time and second-time homeowners. Benson also advocated for investing in clean energy infrastructure to reduce electricity rates. She described these efforts as part of a broader strategy to diversify the state's economy and create well-paying jobs.

Regarding international trade, Benson proposed that the governor negotiate direct agreements with Canada to protect Michigan industries from federal tariffs. She cited Maine's agreement on rock salt as a precedent for subnational deals that exempt specific products from tariffs when moving between the two regions. Benson argued that these negotiations could provide carve-outs for Michigan's auto suppliers, protecting jobs and keeping costs stable for consumers.

Benson addressed the growing local opposition to data center development by calling for a temporary moratorium. She stated that guardrails are necessary before new facilities are approved. These rules would include protections for water resources, energy costs, and local voices in community benefits agreements. She proposed creating a public portal where residents could evaluate proposed data centers in their neighborhoods.

In the education sector, Benson said she would continue the reinvestment started by the Whitmer administration. She plans to improve teacher pay and restructure school funding to meet the unique needs of each district. She noted that Michigan schools have faced three decades of defunding by Republican-led legislatures, which she linked to current reading score trends.

Benson framed her candidacy as a continuation of efficient governance with added transformative changes to the state's economy and schools. She stated that her experience managing large state agencies prepares her to streamline other departments. Her goal is to ensure that government serves as a helper rather than an obstacle for entrepreneurs and residents alike.