Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson wants to put real wealth-building opportunities back in the hands of Black voters and Michiganders at large. To achieve that, she is prepared to drive down costs, invest in small businesses, and work across the political aisle—including with President Trump.
Benson outlined these priorities during an interview with The Root publisher Ashley Allison on the fifth episode of “What’s Popular?” Check out the full episode here.
During their conversation, Benson explained how her background in civil rights work in Alabama informed her passion to amplify the voices of Black and brown communities, while exposing the deep economic disparities affecting them. That foundation drives her commitment to spur economic growth for Black voters by empowering small businesses, helping creators monetize their work, and bringing well-paying jobs across diverse industries to Michigan if elected.
Related: The Root Launches What’s Popular? Political Series
“My mission as governor will be to drive down costs and increase well-paying jobs, with an eye toward real wealth creation,” she told Allison. “A lot of that is small business, microbusiness growth. Helping people monetize their creativity, their great ideas. Investing in creative cultures as well, so that people who are writing things or drawing things or creating things can monetize.”
Benson also shared her plans to invest in advanced manufacturing jobs, aviation, and the auto industry so people can get workforce opportunities outside of becoming entrepreneurs.
In another part of the interview, Benson discussed her willingness to work with Trump and his administration to get Michiganders the resources they need. While she admitted to being open to working across the aisle if it’ll ensure the proper help, she made it crystal clear that she won’t be intimidated by the president’s “bullying.”
“I’ll never hesitate to work with anyone who can help me diversify our industry and all the rest. But I’ll be honest and unafraid to stand up to anyone, as well, who would get in the way of that,” Benson said.
Referring to Trump, she continued: “His bullying tactics do not work on me. Because when he tried to pressure me into turning over the private voting information of our citizens, I told him no, and I’ll see you in court. And we won…I did not waver; I did not bend. Instead, I stood strong, protected the votes of Michiganders because that’s my duty. Protect the law, protect the Constitution, protect the people of Michigan.”
Benson also took aim at her opponent, Black republican candidate John James, describing him as “unfit” to be governor due to how he fell in line with Trump
“When he’s gone to Congress, he’s raised our costs. He’s become a multi-millionaire, buying stocks in companies he’s supposed to regulate. And then he’s done every single thing Donald Trump asked him to do,” Benson explained. “Every lie Donald Trump tells, he repeats. Every bad economic policy Donald Trump promotes. Tariffs that are costing us more than any other state, he supports. I’m an election defender; he’s an election denier. I think that’s a clear choice facing Michiganders this fall.”
Elsewhere in their conversation, Benson talked about her plans to fix the DMV, her stance on A.I. data centers, building a winning coalition to get things done, and so much more.
Tune in to The Root’s YouTube to watch the full interview.
