Jocelyn Benson’s Campaign Finance Violation: A Stark Reminder of Her Incompetence
Jocelyn Benson is the top election official in Michigan—and she just got caught breaking the very laws she’s supposed to enforce. Dana Nessel, her own party’s Attorney General, found that Benson illegally used a government building to launch her campaign for governor.
She knew the law. She broke it anyway. That’s not a mistake. That’s a blatant abuse of power.
This is a disgrace. If the person in charge of election integrity can’t follow basic campaign finance laws, why on earth should anyone trust her to oversee an election—or lead this state?
She violated public trust. She used taxpayer property for personal political gain. If anyone else did this, they’d face consequences. Benson thinks she’s above the law.
And let’s not pretend this is the first time. She’s already spent millions on a so-called “transparency portal” that made it harder for the public to track political money. She’s defied court orders to release public records tied to illegal campaign activity. This is a pattern. A pattern of secrecy, arrogance, and lawlessness.
She’s not just unqualified—she’s dangerous. Benson wants to be governor, but she can’t even follow the rules of her current job. If she can’t play by the rules, she has no business making them.
Let me be crystal clear: Jocelyn Benson must be held accountable. If she won’t step down, then voters must show her the door. Michigan deserves leaders who follow the law—not power-hungry politicians who trample it.
I won’t stay silent. And neither should you.
Senator Jim Runestad
MIGOP Chairman
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