WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Announcement of Benson-Brinks Ticket Met with Widespread Enthusiasm from Community Leaders, Nonprofits, and Labor Groups

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and get these two dynamic women into the executive office of Michigan.” 

Yesterday, Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for Governor Jocelyn Benson announced her new running mate, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Winnie Brinks. The Benson-Brinks partnership was met with enthusiasm from elected officials, nonprofits, labor organizations, and other leaders across the state who pointed to Brinks’ reputation as a strong leader and an effective legislator, and recognized her as the best possible candidate for the job. 

Here’s what people are saying about Jocelyn’s historic selection of Winnie Brinks…

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeig: Excellent news for the ticket and the state. I've gotten to know @WinnieBrinks well, and have seen how her results-oriented & focused approach to public service makes her so effective. I am ready to get to work to elect @JocelynBenson and Winnie Brinks this November!

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin: I've watched @WinnieBrinks work for West Michigan, and then lead for all of Michigan as Senate Majority Leader. She is a leader, a doer, and a champion for Michigan's middle class. She’s also a principled, thoughtful person who I am proud to call a friend. She will be an excellent Lieutenant Governor and partner for Michigan’s next Governor @JocelynBenson. Let's go win!

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel: Congratulations to my good friend and former colleague, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, on her selection to join Jocelyn Benson’s campaign. I’m confident she will make a strong partner to Jocelyn and an excellent Lieutenant Governor for the people of Michigan.

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As Senate Majority Leader, Winnie has worked tirelessly to make life better for Michiganders across the state—whether it’s cutting $1 billion in taxes for working people, expanding access to healthcare, protecting reproductive freedom, restoring workers’ rights, or investing in our public schools. 

While John James and Jay DeBoyer stand in lockstep behind Donald Trump’s price-hiking policies, Jocelyn and Winnie will fight to lower costs and raise wages for Michigan families. There is no one better suited to serve as our next Lieutenant Governor, and Michigan Democrats are fired up to elect Jocelyn Benson, Winnie Brinks, and a Democratic trifecta in November

Sen. Mallory McMorrow: Here's what I know about @WinnieBrinks - she's smart, fearless, rational (in an increasingly irrational time), and unwavering in her drive to push through whatever obstacles exist to deliver for Michiganders. The best people in this work are the ones who never planned to be here. 

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She'll be a tremendous partner to help our next Governor get real, meaningful things done for Michigan families. I'm proud to call her my Senate Majority Leader, the first woman in state history to ever hold the position, and now, my next Lieutenant Governor.

Sen. Jeremy Moss: I’m ecstatic about Jocelyn Benson’s pick of @WinnieBrinks to be our next Lt. Governor! As our Senate Majority Leader, Winnie has led on some of the most consequential issues of our time: protecting civil rights, worker’s rights, reproductive rights, voting rights, and so much more. She was the main driver to deliver historic tax relief to Michigan’s working families.

To me, she is a close friend and a trusted governing partner, helping us bring home some big wins to Oakland County, including the major investment in downtown Pontiac.

In today’s chaotic political environment, Winnie represents calm, steady, and measured leadership that is able to cut through the noise and solve real problems. This pick is a win for Michiganders who need their voices heard where and when it matters most.

Democratic Nominee for Attorney General Eli Savit: Congratulations to our next Lieutenant Governor, Sen. @WinnieBrinks! 

Senator Brinks knows how to get things done, and will be a phenomenal partner to Governor Benson in securing real results for Michigan families.

Let’s go!

Sen. Darrin Camilleri: Congrats to @WinnieBrinks, our next Lt. Governor! I’ve been proud to work alongside her in the State Senate as we’ve gotten great things done for our residents. I know as LG, she will continue to help us as we bring more positive change in 2027 when we keep the Senate and flip the House.

Jocelyn, Winnie, Abdul, Garlin, Eli. A ticket that represents Michigan well. Let’s go win!

Rep. Phil Skaggs: Senator Brinks would be a strong choice for LG by @JocelynBenson!

A big day for West Michigan Democrats who continue to grow in power and influence!

Rep. Carrie Rheingans: Let's goooo #BensonBrinksForMI

Majority Leader Brinks is an excellent choice to ensure that our legislative progress continues and that we get even more done in the next Dem trifecta! She, like Secretary Benson, doesn't shy away from a fight & knows how to get stuff done!

Lisa Wozniak, President and CEO of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters: There are few in the Legislature as tenacious and determined as Winnie Brinks – and she has a long, proven track record of advancing policies that protect Michigan’s water and the health of our communities. 

She rolled up her sleeves and helped deliver Michigan’s landmark clean energy laws in 2023, and she championed a package to address lead in the drinking water of our schools and daycares. As a mom, she cares about how we are leaving Michigan for our children – and it’s reflected by her 98% lifetime Michigan LCV score and historic role as the first woman to serve as Michigan Senate Majority Leader.

Chokwe Pitchford, Executive Director of Berrien Forward: I first met @WinnieBrinks years ago, and I had the honor to be introduced by her at the @MichiganDems legacy dinner. One thing that always stuck out to me about Winnie, whenever I see her, we sit and talk about everything under the sun. She is an amazing public servant, a wonderful person, and @JocelynBenson made a great choice. 

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get these two dynamic women into the executive office of Michigan.

United Auto Workers: The UAW is thrilled by @JocelynBenson’s choice for Lieutenant Governor. As Senate Majority Leader, @WinnieBrinks stood up for Michigan’s working families.

By tapping Winnie Brinks for her ticket, Jocelyn Benson is showing that she is determined to assemble a pro-labor administration that has the experience to deliver for the working class - not billionaires and corporations. We’re ready to put in the work to win this November.

EMILYs List: The only thing better than an EMILYs List woman at the top of the ticket in Michigan is two EMILYs List women at the top of the ticket. We're all in for Benson/Brinks 2026 — let's make history, Michigan! 

Distill Social: It’s official: Jocelyn Benson has chosen Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks to be the next LG.

Brinks is a longtime Grand Rapids lawmaker who served three terms in the Michigan House before winning a seat in the State Senate. She also made history in 2023 as the first woman ever to lead the Michigan Senate.

Two women who already know Michigan, know Lansing, and know how to get things done, officially running together to lead the state.

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