With Michigan's Democratic primary just days away, Jocelyn Benson is looking beyond the top of the ticket. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate is considering three Michigan politicians with years of state legislative experience as potential running mates, according to a new report.
Two sources with direct knowledge of Benson's deliberations told The Detroit News that the discussions are happening in Lansing. The report does not indicate that Benson has made a final decision, leaving the lieutenant governor slot as one of the biggest unanswered questions on the Democratic ticket.
A Running-Mate Decision Before Tuesday's Primary
Benson is running to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and will first need to secure the Democratic nomination. The VOTE411 voter guide lists Benson's running mate as “to be announced” ahead of Tuesday's primary, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 3.
The timing gives Benson a chance to use the selection to reinforce her campaign's message before the general-election fight begins. It also means the eventual pick could become an early test of how she wants to balance governing experience, geography and the Democratic coalition she is assembling statewide.
Benson enters the search with a substantial advantage in the Democratic primary. Hoodline previously reported that a July poll put Benson at 72% among likely Democratic voters, compared with 12% for Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, with 16% undecided.
Experience Could Be The Point
The reported shortlist suggests Benson may be looking for a partner who can step into the job with a working knowledge of Michigan government rather than a newcomer who needs a crash course in Lansing. That is an inference from the candidates' legislative backgrounds, not a stated explanation from the campaign.
For now, the names remain part of an internal discussion rather than a formal announcement. Until Benson makes the choice public, Michigan Democrats are left watching a familiar Capitol ritual: the race is on the ballot, but the No. 2 spot is still very much under wraps.
