This week, former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard endorsed Jocelyn Benson to be the next governor of Michigan. Blanchard is the first former governor of Michigan to endorse a candidate for governor.

Blanchard joins a broad coalition of mayors, city leaders, and labor organizations who recognize Benson’s track record of delivering for Michiganders and laser focus on bringing costs down, wages up, and making government work for the people who need it. 

In case you missed it…

In print:

Deadline Detroit: Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Governor

[Allan Lengel, 4/14/2026]

Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard is endorsing Democrat Jocelyn Benson for governor.

"After eight years as governor and decades of involvement in Michigan and American politics, I’ve learned to recognize real leadership when I see it," Blanchard said in a press release issued by the Benson campaign on Monday.

"It’s about having the backbone to do the right thing when it’s hard, and the competence to actually get things done. That’s why I’m supporting Jocelyn Benson for governor. She’s well equipped to jump in on Day 1, leverage her experience as Secretary of State transforming government systems, and help bring down costs that are crushing Michigan families. She has shown she can build coalitions, win tough races, and handle the pressure of high office.”

Benson issued a statement of gratitude:

“Former Governor Blanchard is a mentor and a friend, and I’m proud to have him on Team Benson as we build the coalition we need to win and move Michigan forward.”

“I’m running for governor to raise wages, lower costs, and make sure government works for the people. Our state needs a leader focused on making sure everyone can prosper, and I won’t hesitate to take on anyone — no matter how powerful — who threatens Michiganders’ safety, rights, or well-being. Together, we can make Michigan a place where everyone can thrive.”

WLKI: Former Michigan Governor Blanchard Endorses Benson For Governor

[Charlotte Burke, 4/15/2026]

Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard has endorsed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the 2026 Democratic race for governor.

Blanchard announced the endorsement Monday, praising Benson's experience transforming state government systems and saying she would be ready to lead on day one.

On the airwaves:

WSYM - Lansing, MI: A former Michigan governor is throwing his support behind Jocelyn Benson. Jim Blanchard endorsed Benson for Governor today. He is the first former Michigan governor to endorse a candidate for that office. Benson is currently the Secretary of State. She says she wants to raise wages and lower costs for families. Blanchard is joining a growing list of supporters for Benson: “We're really at a special moment–Michigan Democrats, the people of Michigan–for our future. And I think we need a new generation of leaders. I see Jocelyn as part of that movement, an important part, because we're not just going to be leading our great state, a diverse state, with someone like Jocelyn, who I think can really make our system work for the people, whether it's affordability or justice, but also, as I said, represent our state in a critical moment in our nation's history.” That list of supporters includes mayors and city leaders. Educators and labor organizations are also backing her campaign. Benson says she wants to make sure everyone in the state can prosper.

WZZM - Grand Rapids, MI: Former Governor Jim Blanchard is endorsing Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to be Michigan's next governor. Blanchard, a Democrat, was in office from 1983 to 1991. He is the first former governor of Michigan to endorse a candidate in the race, according to the Benson campaign. Blanchard says he believes Benson can “handle the pressure of high office”: “You have to listen to everyone and then try to communicate with everyone. So it's more than just managing 19 departments and a bunch of agencies. It's picking really good people that can manage for you and leading the state, not trying to micromanage the state.” Blanchard says he wanted people to know where he stood in the governor's race ahead of the Democratic convention next weekend.

WKBZ (first heard on WJR) - Muskegon, MI: Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has picked up the endorsement of former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard: “I think our state is at a watershed moment, particularly in dealing with Washington and the world upside down, and I think she could stand up for our state and push back on the chaos and corruption in Washington and help lead us to a bright future, whether it's dealing with the auto industry or tariffs or the cost of living or health care. There are so many issues.” Blanchard says Benson has led a large statewide department and has made it efficient.

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