Pete Buttigieg Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Governor in Traverse City

Jul

2026

PRESS RELEASE

Pete Buttigieg Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Governor in Traverse City

Today, Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson announced the endorsement of former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who is joining her in Traverse City 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 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,” said Pete Buttigieg. “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. 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.”

"I'm proud to have the support of Pete Buttigieg, a principled public servant and tireless fighter for the people whose leadership has inspired so many Americans," said Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. "Pete understands that this election is about who will fight for working families, protect our freedoms, and make government work for the people again. I'm grateful to have him in this fight as we work to lower costs, raise wages, and build a Michigan where everyone has a fair shot at success."

The endorsement came as Benson continues her statewide "Costs Down, Wages Up" tour, meeting with Michiganders in communities across the state to hear directly about the rising cost of housing, groceries, health care, and child care, while outlining her plan to make Michigan more affordable for working families. The tour has underscored the clear choice in this election: between a governor who fights to lower costs, or Republicans who have put politics over Michigan families.

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