Jocelyn Benson

Subnational level: Governor
Written By Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

Jocelyn Benson is a candidate for governor of Michigan and currently serves as Michigan’s secretary of state. A Detroit resident, she earned a degree from Wellesley College, a master’s from Oxford as a Marshall Scholar, and a law degree from Harvard. Before elected office, she built a career in civil rights, election law, and higher education, including serving as dean of Wayne State University Law School. Benson’s public service career has been in elections administration and legal leadership, where she’s focused on voting access, government efficiency, and public trust. As governor, she says she’ll make Michigan more affordable, expand access to housing and health care, lower electricity costs, strengthen public schools, and modernize state services. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3.

Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

A Los Angeles-native, Alison moved to New York to attend NYU where she studied international development and documentary filmmaking. After graduating, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to research migration patterns during the Brazilian Belle Epoque in Manaus, Brazil. She is currently pursuing a dual Master's of International Affairs/Juris Doctor degree with the Colin Powell School and CUNY Law.

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Cindy Holscher