Three Michigan Democrats Vie for Secretary of State Nomination

Party convention set to endorse candidates for key statewide offices.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A photorealistic painting of a lone ballot box sitting on a desk in a dimly lit government office, with warm sunlight streaming through a window and deep shadows cast across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the gravity of the electoral process.The race for Michigan's Secretary of State office has become a high-stakes battle, with control of the state's elections at the center of the contest.Today in Detroit

Three Michigan Democrats are competing for their party's nomination to run for Secretary of State in the upcoming election. The state Democratic convention on April 19 will decide which candidate receives the party's official endorsement for the high-profile office.

Why it matters

The Secretary of State oversees elections and voter registration in Michigan, making this a critical role in a politically divided state. The nominee will face off against the Republican incumbent in the general election, with control of the office at stake.

The details

The three Democrats seeking the party's nomination are Jocelyn Benson, a former Wayne State University law professor; Debbie Dingell, a U.S. Representative; and Gretchen Whitmer, the current Governor of Michigan. All three candidates have extensive experience in state politics and are vying to succeed the term-limited Republican incumbent.

  • The Michigan Democratic convention is scheduled for April 19, 2026.
  • The general election for Secretary of State will take place in November 2026.

The players

Jocelyn Benson

A former law professor at Wayne State University who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Michigan Secretary of State.

Debbie Dingell

A U.S. Representative from Michigan who is running for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State.

Gretchen Whitmer

The current Governor of Michigan, who is also vying for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State.

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What they’re saying

“Ensuring the integrity of our elections is critical for our democracy, and I'm the best candidate to take on that responsibility.”

— Jocelyn Benson, Democratic Candidate for Michigan Secretary of State

“As a longtime public servant, I have the experience and relationships to hit the ground running on day one as Secretary of State.”

— Debbie Dingell, Democratic Candidate for Michigan Secretary of State

What’s next

The Michigan Democratic convention on April 19 will determine which candidate receives the party's official endorsement for Secretary of State. The winner will then face the Republican incumbent in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

The race for Michigan Secretary of State is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle, with control of the office that oversees elections at stake. The three Democratic candidates bring diverse backgrounds and experience to the table, setting up a competitive primary contest ahead of the general election.