Jocelyn Benson (D) defeated Mary Treder Lang (R), Gregory Scott Stemple (L), and Robert Gale (U.S. Taxpayers) in the 2018 general election for Michigan Secretary of State.
Incumbent Ruth Johnson (R), who was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, was prevented by term limits from seeking a third term in 2018.
The election occurred alongside a competitive gubernatorial election between outgoing Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) and former state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D) to replace term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder (R). Heading into the election, Michigan was also a Republican triplex, meaning Republicans held the following three positions in state government: governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
In the previous five presidential elections, Michigan was won by the Democratic candidate in 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 and by the Republican candidate in 2016. The widest margin of victory was Barack Obama's 17 percent margin in 2008 while the narrowest was Donald Trump's 0.13 percent margin in 2016.
Michigan Secretary of State, 2018
Poll | Poll sponsor | Benson | Treder Lang | Other/Undecided | Margin of Error | Sample Size |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glengariff Group September 5-7, 2018 | N/A | 44% | 29% | 27% | +/-4.0 | 600 LV |
Governing rated this race Lean Democratic in June 2018. Louis Jacobson of Governing wrote, "In Michigan, the two parties will select their nominees in late August state conventions. The Republican front-runners are Stan Grot, the Shelby Township clerk and former Macomb County commissioner, and Mary Treder Lang, an accountant and Eastern Michigan University regent. Either would face a tough race against former Wayne State University law school dean Jocelyn Benson, particularly if a blue wave develops. Benson lost a previous bid for the seat narrowly in 2010, which was an awful environment for a Democrat."
This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes links to endorsement lists published on campaign websites, if available. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.
These were the policy positions listed on the candidates' websites, if available.
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Benson’s Plan For Secretary Of State “The people of Michigan deserve a Secretary of State who works as hard as they do. No one should have to spend more than 30 minutes to renew their drivers license, register their vehicle or cast a ballot. We need to show the hardworking people of Michigan that their time matters. They have the right to demand results and we are prepared to deliver them.” THE “30-MINUTE GUARANTEE” Benson will work to establish a 30-Minute Guarantee: an expectation that no one, no matter where they live, should have to wait more than 30 minutes to renew their driver’s license, register their vehicle or cast a ballot. BAN FEE INCREASES Benson will be an advocate against fee increases that have hit Michigan families hard in recent years. When it comes to pocketbook issues, she has a proven track record. As dean of the Wayne State University Law School, she froze tuition and significantly increased scholarship funding to make law school more affordable and accessible to all students. ELECTION SECURITY Benson’s vision is to make Michigan a national model in election security. She will ensure that voting remains a sacred right and that every legitimate vote is counted. Benson, who has developed and supervised three election protection efforts in Michigan, will toughen penalties for those who commit election fraud and voter intimidation. And she will lead an effort to protect our elections from the threat of computer hacking, tampering, and manipulation. PROTECTING VOTING RIGHTS Benson will work to ensure the voting rights of every citizen are protected. Voters should be able to vote early or by absentee ballot without having to give a reason, just as they do in dozens of other states. As Secretary of State, Benson will ensure voters who want to cast a ballot can do so with ease, and without intimidation. ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY Among the 50 states, Michigan is dead last in government transparency and accountability. Benson will champion reforms that will make Michigan one of the best states in the nation, shining a light on the secret money flowing into our election process by requiring instant disclosure of all political and lobbying money. “For too long, our voices have been overshadowed by special interests. People deserve a state government that is transparent and accountable, a secure democracy that is based upon fair and honest elections, and efficient customer service from government. As Michigan’s Secretary of State, I will work on behalf of all our citizens every day to ensure they come first.” |
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—Benson for Secretary of State |
Secretary of State of Michigan, 2014
Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Ruth Johnson Incumbent | 53.5% | 1,649,047 | |
Democratic | Godfrey Dillard | 42.9% | 1,323,004 | |
Libertarian | James Lewis | 2% | 61,112 | |
U.S. Taxpayer | Robert Gale | 1.1% | 34,447 | |
Natural Law | Jason Gatties | 0.4% | 13,185 | |
Total Votes | 3,080,795 | |||
Election results via Michigan Department of State |
2010 Race for Attorney General - General Election
Party | Candidate | Vote Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
Republican Party | Ruth Johnson | 50.7% | |
Democratic Party | Jocelyn Benson | 45.2% | |
Libertarian Party | Scotty Boman | 1.8% | |
U.S. Taxpayers | Robert Gale | 1.3% | |
Green Party | John A. La Pietra | 1.0% | |
Total Votes | 3,173,248 |
Demographic data for Michigan
Michigan | U.S. | |
---|---|---|
Total population: | 9,917,715 | 316,515,021 |
Land area (sq mi): | 56,539 | 3,531,905 |
Gender | ||
Female: | 50.9% | 50.8% |
Race and ethnicity** | ||
White: | 79% | 73.6% |
Black/African American: | 14% | 12.6% |
Asian: | 2.7% | 5.1% |
Native American: | 0.5% | 0.8% |
Pacific Islander: | 0% | 0.2% |
Two or more: | 2.6% | 3% |
Hispanic/Latino: | 4.7% | 17.1% |
Education | ||
High school graduation rate: | 89.6% | 86.7% |
College graduation rate: | 26.9% | 29.8% |
Income | ||
Median household income: | $49,576 | $53,889 |
Persons below poverty level: | 20% | 11.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Michigan. |
As of July 2016, Michigan's three largest cities were Detroit (pop. est. 673,000), Grand Rapids (pop. est. 199,000), and Warren (pop. est. 135,000).