Benson Faces Scrutiny Over Husband's Data Center Role, Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's campaign for governor faces questions about potential conflicts of interest and a racial discrimination lawsuit against her office.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:53pm

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Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is facing scrutiny over her husband's role at a company involved in building a massive data center project in the state, as well as a racial discrimination lawsuit filed against her office. Benson, who is running for governor, has defended her husband's new position and said she will work to ensure responsible growth of data centers if elected. The racial discrimination lawsuit, which her office has called "absolutely false," alleges inconsistent disciplinary actions against Black employees. Benson has pledged to restore transparency and integrity to the Democratic Party if elected.

Why it matters

Benson's campaign for governor has drawn attention to potential conflicts of interest and allegations of racial discrimination within her office, which could impact her ability to govern effectively if elected. The data center issue and racial discrimination lawsuit raise questions about Benson's commitment to ethical leadership and addressing systemic inequities.

The details

Benson's husband, Ryan Friedrichs, is a vice president at Related Companies, which is pushing a new Oracle and OpenAI data center project in Michigan. Friedrichs has announced plans to recuse himself from any state-related projects if Benson is elected governor. Benson has said she will work to ensure responsible growth of data centers, including requiring community benefits agreements and investments in modernizing the grid. A racial discrimination lawsuit filed by four Black plaintiffs against the Michigan Department of State, which Benson oversees, alleges inconsistent disciplinary actions and unclear guidelines over state vehicle use and performance plans. Benson's office has settled a $775,000 lawsuit with a former department director, Angela Harness, who claimed her authority was reduced due to racial discrimination.

  • In 2023, Benson's chief of staff allegedly reduced the authority and responsibility of former department director Angela Harness.
  • In 2026, Benson is running for governor of Michigan.

The players

Jocelyn Benson

The current Michigan Secretary of State who is running for governor.

Ryan Friedrichs

Benson's husband and a vice president at Related Companies, which is pushing a new data center project in Michigan.

Angela Harness

A former department director at the Michigan Department of State who filed a $775,000 lawsuit against the department, alleging racial discrimination.

Stephen Ross

The billionaire owner of Related Companies, which is involved in the data center project in Michigan.

Mike Duggan

The former mayor of Detroit who is running for governor of Michigan as an independent candidate.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.