(LANSING) - Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard has endorsed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the 2026 Democratic race for governor.
Blanchard announced the endorsement Monday, praising Benson's experience transforming state government systems and saying she would be ready to lead on day one.
Benson is term-limited as secretary of state and is considered one of the leading Democratic candidates in the August 2026 primary field.
The endorsement comes as Governor Gretchen Whitmer has said she does not plan to back any candidate in next year's state elections.
Former Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist has exited the governor's race and is instead running for secretary of state.