Democrat Jocelyn Benson won the Michigan governor’s race. She defeated Republican Representative John James.
The Associated Press called the race at 1:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Benson led James 54 percent to 45 percent.
Benson keeps the governor’s office in Democratic hands. She succeeds Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who could not run again because of term limits.
Benson holds Michigan governor’s office for Democrats
Benson is 49 and Michigan’s two-term secretary of state. She served in the office since 2019.
James was endorsed by President Donald Trump. It was his third statewide loss after two Senate runs.
Benson becomes the first Democrat to succeed a fellow Democrat as Michigan governor since the 1960s. She takes office in January with running mate Winnie Brinks.
The win pairs with Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate victory in Michigan. Democrats swept both statewide races in Michigan on the same night.
What is confirmed: Benson won the governor’s race. James lost. The office stays Democratic in the swing state.
