Benson Shares Plans to Lower Costs, Raise Wages with Voters in Traverse City, Petoskey, and Cheboygan

Jul

2026

PRESS RELEASE

Benson Shares Plans to Lower Costs, Raise Wages with Voters in Traverse City, Petoskey, and Cheboygan

Yesterday, on Day 7 of her statewide “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour, Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson shared her plans to make life more affordable at events across northern Michigan.

Benson started the day by touring a farm in Traverse City, followed by a roundtable discussion about how, as governor, she will help farmers thrive.

“There's so many ways in which the system is broken. We’re hearing today from farmers who are feeling like government is showing up where you don't want it, and nowhere we actually need it. I see that time and time again,” said Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson during the visit. “And what's been really inspiring to me is how many small business owners, families, moms, farmers, they just make do anyway. They just roll up their sleeves and get things done, building a small business, keeping their farm functioning, in spite of a broken system. I’ll always fight for them. To make sure they have a voice in the decisions we're making, so that we can make sure government shows up for them, and doesn’t get in the way of their prosperity.”

Next, Benson visited Sleder’s Family Tavern for a lunch among Michiganders.

Benson then toured the Kilwins Ice Cream headquarters in Petoskey.

While in Petoskey, Benson spent some time with local business owners at American Spoon and Bearcub Outfitters.

Before leaving Petoskey, Benson held a meet and greet with voters.

Benson ended the day at a house party in Cheboygan.

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