LANSING, Mich. — Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson said at her first post-election news conference that she is open to cutting Michigans state gasoline tax to give drivers relief at the pump.
The stance marks a shift from her earlier campaign warning that pausing the states roughly 52-cent-per-gallon levy would blow a hole in the budget and stall road and bridge work. Benson has blamed high regional fuel prices in part on the war in Iran and has also backed a temporary pause of the federal 18.4-cent fuel levy.
She said she cares more about lower prices than who gets credit for them. The comment came as she outlined early cost-cutting priorities after defeating Republican John James and preparing to take office Jan. 1, 2027, with Democrats positioned to control both legislative chambers.
Any gas-tax cut would need legislative approval and a plan to replace road money. Benson has separately pledged not to raise middle-class taxes and said her transition team will hunt for quick steps that lower monthly bills once she is sworn in.
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