PRESS RELEASE
WATCH: Jocelyn Benson Highlights Consequences of John James’ Failed Economic Policies
Today, Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson called out John James on Morning Joe for rubberstamping Trump’s failed economic policies in Congress and raising costs for Michiganders. While James has voted to support the tariffs raising household costs by $5,619, and repeatedly voted to support Trump’s Iran War that skyrocketed gas prices to over $5 per gallon — including just last week — Jocelyn has rolled out a comprehensive plan to bring down costs and raise wages. Michiganders deserve a governor that makes their life easier, and works for them — not a yes-man for Donald Trump.
Key Point: “It really hit home for me a few days ago when I talked to a woman named Gwen, who told me she has cancer, and every month she has to look at her bills and decide whether to pay for her chemo treatment or her electricity bill. These are impossible choices that millions of residents in Michigan are having to face because of the failed policies of this administration that my opponent has supported, full stop. And that is why we need a governor in Michigan who knows how to lower costs, as I've done as Secretary of State, grow our economy to raise wages, and end the self-serving corruption that we see too often leaving people out of the process.”
In case you missed it…
Jocelyn Benson: Our campaign is ultimately about three things: costs down, wages up and ending corruption. And everywhere I go in Michigan, I hear heartbreaking stories about the President's failed policies and, frankly, my opponent's blanket support of those failed economic policies — from the tariffs that have hit Michigan more than in any other state, and a reckless war in Iran that has driven up costs more in Michigan than any other state. And it really hit home for me a few days ago when I talked to a woman named Gwen, who told me she has cancer, and every month she has to look at her bills and decide whether to pay for her chemo treatment or her electricity bill. These are impossible choices that millions of residents in Michigan are having to face because of the failed policies of this administration that my opponent has supported, full stop. And that is why we need a governor in Michigan who knows how to lower costs, as I've done as Secretary of State, grow our economy to raise wages, and end the self-serving corruption that we see too often leaving people out of the process.
Willie Geist: Sometimes tariffs are talked about in abstract, broad policy terms. Can you just talk a little bit about what impact those tariffs on Canada are having in the state of Michigan? And how it's not abstract at all, but very much hurting people and their livelihoods.
Benson: Yeah, it's heartbreaking. Michigan families are paying more than any other state as a result of these tariffs. Every household [has paid] $5,600 more since Trump took office as a result of these tariffs and these failed economic policies. And what really makes my blood boil is that my opponent goes to Washington, he’s expected to fight for the people of Michigan, expected to lower these costs, and what does he do? He just votes for these same tariffs, and this reckless war in Iran that has driven up costs more in Michigan than in any other state. That means that people are having trouble finding ways to get to work. People are unable to take their kids to school because fuel prices are over $5 a gallon…And it's why, in this moment, we need a governor who will stand up to these policies and do everything I can, use everything in my toolbox, to lower [costs], streamline how government works, find ways to make life easier, not harder, for Michiganders. While my opponent goes to Washington and just votes to make life harder.
Jonathan Lemire: What are your concerns that the federal government might try to tamper with the proceedings this November…and that your opponent may not accept the result?
Benson: We know he didn't accept the results when he lost in 2020, alongside President Trump, who also lost that year. He did not respect the will of the voters. He tried to undermine and deny those election results alongside the President of the United States. And so that is also why this election is so critical, to choose the next governor for the state of Michigan. Because we…need a governor who is willing to and prepared to protect our elections and ensure that no matter what, no matter who wins, that those elections, the will of the people, stands. And, you know, when Donald Trump tried to pressure me to turn over the private voting information of residents and voters in the state, I told him no, and I'll see you in court, and I won. That's the type of fortitude and leadership we need in a governor in this moment, because the path to the presidency runs right through Michigan in 2028. We know that this administration will use every lever, as they've done before, to try to undermine our elections. And that's the choice in this race: do you want a governor in Michigan who knows what it's going to take, and has defended our elections? Or someone like my opponent who has consistently denied their results? He's an election denier. I'm an election defender. And the people of Michigan know who they need on guard in 2028 and beyond.
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