DETROIT, Mich. — Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson opened her transition by ranking cheaper health coverage, stronger public schools and housing relief as the work she wants done first after she is sworn in.
Speaking Wednesday after her win over Republican John James, Benson said her early agenda centers on cutting household costs and lifting pay. She pledged that middle-class state taxes will stay flat and said she will create a Blue Ribbon Commission to audit how Michigan collects and spends money, including options such as a tax on fuel for private aircraft that now escape the levy paid at the pump.
For schools, she is backing a $60,000 entry wage for teachers plus coaching and curriculum help. She also said she will watch reading scores and other statewide measures to judge whether the approach is working.
Benson said she is ready to cooperate with President Donald Trump on shared goals such as lower prices and relief from tariffs on Canadian goods that she ties to higher costs for Michigan shoppers and firms, while resisting federal steps she sees as harmful to residents.
She flagged MDHHS and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for major overhauls. On large data-center projects, she favors a temporary hold until water and power protections are clearer and cities and townships have a stronger say, including community-benefit deals and a public tracking portal.
Benson won by more than 11 points Tuesday. She is set to take office Jan. 1, 2027, with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids as lieutenant governor, as Democrats also reclaim the state House and enlarge their Senate edge.
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