Jocelyn Benson Launches “Heroes for Benson” Coalition, Vows Support for Michigan’s Veterans, First Responders

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Today, Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin launched the “Heroes for Benson” coalition: a group of veterans, first responders, and healthcare heroes that trust Jocelyn to work for them, bring down their costs, and protect their rights and safety. Michigan’s heroes are the latest addition to Team Benson’s statewide coalition of unions, nonprofits, and community leaders gearing up to elect Jocelyn this November. 

As a military spouse, Jocelyn understands the sacrifices made by Michigan’s heroes and their families everyday. As governor, she is committed to bringing down costs and ensuring our heroes are never questioning whether their family can access lifesaving healthcare, afford quality childcare, or put a meal on the table. While John James is working for Donald Trump — backing his Iran war that puts our service members in harm's way and raises costs for Michigan families — Jocelyn is working for Michigan heroes and Michigan families.  

“Endorsing in this state race wasn’t a hard decision. Throughout her campaign, Jocelyn has shown that she’ll always stand shoulder to shoulder with working Michiganders, and she believes everyone deserves to live in a state that they can afford. Meanwhile, her opponent is lining up behind the agenda that would drive up prices, cut healthcare coverage for working people, and make life more expensive for everyone,” said Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union President Matthew Sahr. “John James even voted against a measure to end the war in Iran last week — at a time when gas prices were at an all time high. Our first responders shouldn’t be blowing their budgets on a full tank of gas. They should be spending their money on the high-quality equipment that keeps our members and their communities safe.”

“Secretary Benson’s opponent voted for the Iran war six times, though last week he reversed his position calling for an end to the war without saying how he’d do it. We shouldn’t vote for politicians who get us into wars without plans to terminate them,” said Major General Michael Lehnert. “We all know firsthand what it means to serve the American people, and Secretary Benson has served the people of Michigan with integrity and bravery for nearly eight years. She will continue to serve spectacularly as our next governor.”

“What [Jocelyn] has done, the proof points she has in the state of Michigan, in my mind, make the case for her automatically…I think what is just as important as all that hard work is her judgement of what it means to be a patriot,” said U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin. “At the end of the day, I think this decision should be easy. [Jocelyn] is running against someone who has chosen over and over again to put what is safe for him above what is needed for the state and the country. And that to me is the only answer I need on who should be in the Governor’s office come January 1st.”

“My opponent John James has raised costs on Michiganders consistently since he took office…He voted for reckless tariffs with our closest ally in Canada that has forced Michigan families to pay more than any other state: shouldering an additional $6,400 over the past year alone. I call those tariffs the John James Tax because he could have stood up for us and he didn’t….And now, he voted six times in support of the War in Iran that is not only putting our service members in harm's way, but is driving up the cost of fuel in this state more than any other in the nation,” said Jocelyn Benson. “As governor, I will make sure all of our heroes are cared for. I have a plan to ensure you have access to quality healthcare when you need it; affordable child care that you can count on when you’re out serving your community; and I’ll make sure no one has to struggle and choose between keeping the lights on or put food on the table.”

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