Today, Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson wrapped up her week-long “Costs Down, Wages Up” statewide tour. Jocelyn heard from small business owners, farmers, local leaders, and Michiganders across the state about how rising costs are impacting their lives. At every stop, she shared her affordability agenda to put more money in Michiganders’ pockets, and drew a clear contrast: the choice between a governor who fights to lower costs, or Republicans who have put politics over Michigan families.

Along the way, Benson also gained the endorsements of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

In case you missed it… 

In print:

Spectrum News: Benson launches statewide affordability tour with 1st stop at southwest Detroit small business

[Melanie Tolen, 7/1/2026]

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson kicked off her statewide “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour Wednesday with a stop at southwest Detroit’s Vámonos, where conversations about affordability focused on the everyday realities of running a small business.

[...]

Benson said her campaign chose Vámonos because it represents the kind of small business she hopes to see more of across Michigan. The business is home to a café and fitness studio while also giving local artists and entrepreneurs a place to sell handmade goods and connect with the community.

“Entrepreneurship is beautiful because one person starts with an idea that becomes an engine for economic growth," Benson said. "I've seen this in other small businesses in Detroit and elsewhere in the state, one person starts with an idea and then it ripples out [as] more people see that it's possible. I think the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit can work together to really ensure it's just easier to get started."

The Monroe News: Jocelyn Benson speaks in Monroe as part of statewide campaign tour

[Suzanne Nolan Wisler, 7/1/2026]

Monroe was one of the first of 19 stops on Benson’s seven-day, statewide “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour.

Benson spoke to about 70 attendees at the Monroe Knights of Columbus Hall.

[...]

In her Monroe speech, Benson said her agenda includes driving down costs for health care, housing and electricity and also increasing wages. She also advocates for diversifying the economy and protecting democracy and Michigan residents.

Benson mentioned senior citizens having to choose between paying for medicine or food.

“These struggles are real, and they are the result of an affordability crisis that I’m trying to change,” Benson said.

Mid-Michigan Now: Benson meets with Bay City restaurant owners as part of “Costs down, wages up” tour

[7/2/2026]

More than 100 people packed Kilkenny’s Irish Pub in Bay City for a chance to talk with Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson.

[...]

During the visit, Benson asked restaurant owners about rising costs, the challenges of opening a business and what entrepreneurs need from the state.

“Well, I think we are in a precipice of a really defining moment for our state, one where we have an opportunity to elect candidates who will make Michigan more affordable, improve our public education system, and really address the struggles that citizens around Michigan,” Benson said.

Spectrum News: Benson picks up Michigan LCV endorsement in Grand Rapids, unveils environmental platform

[Brian Farber, 7/6/2026]

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson received the endorsement of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Monday morning along the banks of the Grand River.

She used the occasion to unveil an environmental platform she says will lower energy costs, protect Michigan's waterways and hold corporations accountable.

"We all are stewards of our future, and we have a unique responsibility to ensure in this moment that we can lead the nation in clean energy and good policy," said Benson, the current Michigan secretary of state.

Manistee News Advocate: Benson addresses data centers, housing during Manistee visit

[Abigale Racine, 7/6/2026]

[...]

Benson, who currently serves as Michigan secretary of state, stopped in Manistee Tuesday afternoon. Nearly 75 people gathered to hear her speak.

“My parents were special education teachers, and I learned from them how important it is to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table,” she said. “As I sat in the back of their classrooms and watched how they showed up for their students, fighting to ensure that their kids could have access to prosperity and equal opportunity, just like anyone else ... That really honed in me a responsibility to ensure that not only that we are ensuring we’re fighting together so that everyone can have a path to prosperity, but that we have to ensure every voice is heard in that process.”

The Detroit News: Pete Buttigieg endorses Jocelyn Benson for governor

[Craig Mauger, 7/6/2026]

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has endorsed Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to be Michigan's never governor, Benson's campaign announced Monday.

[...]

"In Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand how Jocelyn Benson has delivered for the people of this state and shown how government can make everyday life better throughout her public service," Buttigieg said in a statement, provided to The Detroit News. "She’s focused on expanding healthcare access, taking on the big utility companies that raise our costs, building housing and ensuring our state government works for us.

"I know Jocelyn, and I am confident she will be an excellent governor.”

The endorsement came during Benson's "Costs Down, Wages Up" tour and about four weeks before the Aug. 4 primary election.

MS NOW: Pete Buttigieg to endorse Jocelyn Benson for Michigan governor

[Nnamdi Egwuonwu, 7/6/2026]

Buttigieg appeared with Benson at a campaign event in Traverse City, Michigan, where he has lived since 2022. They’re slated to speak about “lowering costs for Michigan families, defending democracy and building an economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” according to Benson’s campaign. Benson has made affordability the centerpiece of her platform, traveling across the state in recent weeks as part of an ongoing “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour.

During his remarks, Buttigieg framed Benson as a check on President Donald Trump, pointing to the role state leaders specifically play in steering Medicaid, infrastructure and economic policy.

“The truth is there’s only so much we can do about that office at this moment, although believe me, I’m working on it,” Buttigieg said of Trump’s presidency, appearing to hint at his own presidential ambitions. “So many of the most important decisions that affect our lives, that affect our health care, that affect our education, that affect our economy, are made closer to home and that is why it’s so, so very important that we have the right leadership in this state.”

Bridge Michigan: Pete Buttigieg endorses Benson for Michigan governor, hints at White House run

[Simon D. Schuster, 7/6/2026]

But Buttigieg was there to endorse Benson. Secretary of state since 2019, Benson has a single primary opponent in Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. 

“I have seen (Benson) from her earliest days running for office, being relentlessly focused on actually delivering some of the unglamorous blocking and tackling type of stuff that a government delivery nerd like me can love,” Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg said secretary of state “is supposed to be a pretty uninteresting job, frankly,” but “never could imagine the ways in which she would be tested in the role,” highlighting the 2020 presidential election, the protests outside her home and pressure from Trump — things Benson frequently mentions in her own stump speeches. 

Deadline Detroit: Michigan Resident Pete Buttigieg Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Governor

[Allan Lengel, 7/6/2026]

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, a Traverse City resident, announced Monday that he's endorsing Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for governor in the Aug. 4 primary.

[...]

Benson said in a statement:

"Pete understands that this election is about who will fight for working families, protect our freedoms, and make government work for the people again."

Traverse City Record Eagle: Benson gets Buttigieg endorsement on campaign tour appearance in Traverse City

[7/7/2026]

Buttigieg, who lives in the Traverse City area, joined Benson at the Right Brain Brewery for a “Pints and Politics” conversation focused on “lowering costs for Michigan families, defending democracy, and building an economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

In his endorsement, Buttigieg spoke for about 15 minutes to the gathering of about 75 people, many of whom are active in the Democratic party, and pointed to Benson’s record of results and her vision for a Michigan where people can afford to live, work, and thrive.

“As a civil rights advocate, secretary of state, military spouse, and mother, Jocelyn Benson knows what Michigan’s challenges are — and how to fix them,” Buttigieg said. “In Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand how Jocelyn Benson has delivered for the people of this state and shown how government can make everyday life better throughout her public service.

MLive: Pete Buttigieg endorses Michigan governor candidate at Traverse City event

[Danielle James, 7/7/2026]

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who refers to Michigan as his “adopted state,” has endorsed a candidate for governor.

[...]

“I have known Jocelyn Benson for a long time,” Buttigieg said. “I have seen her from her earliest days running for office, being relentlessly focused on actually delivering. Some of the unglamorous blocking and tackling type of stuff that a government delivery nerd like me can love, not everybody can see everyday.”

Buttigieg said he never imagined the ways Benson would be “tested” as secretary of state, referring in one example to protests outside of her house. He described Benson as having a combination of “courage” and “confidence.”

On the airwaves: 

WOOD-TV - Grand Rapids, MI: During a news conference at Sixth Street Bridge this morning Benson said she's been endorsed by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. With the grand river as a backdrop, Benson cited her commitment to clean energy and preserving Michigan's unique environmental resources: “We all have an ongoing responsibility to keep these natural resources safe and clean for all of us, and for generations to come. That’s why I’m proud to be a candidate for governor in this state with a strong, bold environmental plan that will build a Michigan that is cleaner, that is safer, and more affordable for all.”

WJR-AM - Detroit, MI: “I think there’s a few things that we can uniquely do in this state. Number one is stop price gouging. Really investigate claims of price gouging and make sure that greedy corporations are not taking advantage of this moment by driving costs up even more, and holding them accountable if they do. The second is trying to find ways to perhaps temporarily reduce costs, and I know the Governor is looking at doing things right now, hopefully in partnership with this legislature, I'll do the same to make sure we are finding temporary ways to drive down costs or provide different cuts that could really help people's pocket books. And the third thing we can also do is invest in other ways to get around. Whether it's making it more affordable to purchase energy-efficient vehicles, whether they be hybrid or electric vehicles. But also investing in public transit,” said Benson.

The Julie Mason Show: “There’s a need for leaders who will be authentic, honest, and determined to drive down costs and make life more affordable. I launched a statewide tour that I’m involved in right now, across the state, because I hear everyday people are working hard but making less. And they want leaders who are ready on day one to do something about it,” said Benson. 

WJR-AM - Detroit, MI: “Everywhere I go in Michigan – and we're on day two of this statewide tour – I hear stories about families struggling to make ends meet, and how too often government is showing up where we don't want it and nowhere we actually need it. And as Secretary of State, as you know, I've tried to streamline how government works, so it's actually showing up to reduce costs. And I want to, as Governor, invest in economic growth so that we're driving up wages as well. You know, we've got some of the lowest per capita income in the nation, and with costs skyrocketing on everything from gas to healthcare to housing, with stagnant wages it’s untenable for everybody. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on,” said Benson.

WZZM-TV - Grand Rapids, MI: Jocelyn Benson brought her campaign for governor to Grand Rapids this morning as part of her “Costs Down, Wages Up” press tour. Today, she rolled out her plan to protect the state's environment. This includes expanding opportunities for residential communities to invest in union built solar panels or renewable energy infrastructure, and strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties for corporations that pollute Michigan’s water, land and air. She also discussed how rising costs are impacting people’s lives and how she plans to bring those costs down. 

WWJ-AM - Detroit, MI: Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson announcing the endorsement of former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The 2020 presidential candidate pointing to Benson's record and vision for Michigan, where people can afford to live, work and thrive. The endorsement comes as Benson continues her statewide “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour, meeting with Michiganders to hear directly about affordability issues, while outlining her plan to make Michigan more attractive for working families.

C-SPAN - Washington, D.C.: “As I travel the state, we are on the fifth or sixth day of our statewide tour, it’s the “Cost Down, Wages Up” statewide tour. An effort to connect with Michiganders all across the state about my vision, our plan, to ensure government is showing up when you need it, and then getting out of the way. Right now, at least at the federal level, it feels kind of like government is showing up everywhere we don't want it, and nowhere where we actually need it. And I see the effects of that everyday as I talk to Michiganders. Too many moms who have to literally choose between whether to eat and pay for child care. Seniors on a fixed income not sure how they will cover the cost of life-saving medicine. Small business owners who are worried about how they can keep the lights on as electricity costs continue to skyrocket while we have some of the worst power reliability and the most number of power outages in the nation. We have a responsibility and an opportunity in this moment to see those struggles and do something about it. Because a lot of people feel like we are in a broken system and no one is listening, but we know that not only are we listening but we know how to fix this broken system,” said Benson.

WTKG-AM - Grand Rapids, MI: The 2020 presidential candidate and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation pointing to Benson's record and vision for Michigan. Benson is running against Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson to win the Democrats' gubernatorial nomination in the primary on August 4th. With time winding down before that election, the endorsement comes as Benson is on a statewide “Costs Down, Wages Up” tour, hearing directly about affordability issues while outlining her plan to make Michigan more affordable for working families.

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