News Summary
Hill Harper, former U.S. Senate candidate, has endorsed Jocelyn Benson in her gubernatorial campaign in Michigan. Harper’s recent victory in the Detroit primary illustrates his political influence, while Benson’s management capabilities and focus on public education strengthen her candidacy. With growing grassroots support and endorsements from local leaders, Benson’s campaign gains momentum ahead of the November election, amid a highly competitive political landscape featuring diverse candidates.
Detroit, Michigan – Hill Harper, the former U.S. Senate candidate, has publicly endorsed Jocelyn Benson in her campaign for governor of Michigan. This endorsement comes during a competitive race that is marked by strong primary outcomes and varied political support across the state.
In the recent August 2024 Democratic primary, Harper achieved a significant victory in Detroit, defeating incumbent Senator Elissa Slotkin by a margin of 13,526 votes. While Slotkin captured 60% of the total Wayne County votes and received 80% overall in the primary, Harper’s triumph in Detroit shows his influence within the city and his active role in the political landscape of Michigan.
Harper praised Benson’s leadership qualities, including her effective management in addressing long wait times at Secretary of State branches. He emphasized her unwavering commitment to public service and described her as a fearless and effective leader, positioning her as the preferred candidate to advance Michigan’s progress.
Benson acknowledged Harper’s endorsement as a testament to their mutual goal of bolstering public education and enhancing the wellbeing of Michigan communities. This endorsement further enhances her support base, previously bolstered by endorsements from local leaders such as State Representative Tonya Myers Philipps and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Additionally, Benson recently concluded a two-week statewide tour aimed at connecting with voters, which has resulted in accumulating further endorsements from various local leaders throughout Michigan. This marks her as a candidate with significant grassroots support.
Other candidates vying for the governorship include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, running as an independent with backing from the Detroit Regional Chamber and more than 150 Black faith leaders in Michigan. Similarly, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist has received endorsements from several Southeast Michigan state lawmakers, showcasing the competitive nature of the race.
Throughout her campaign, Benson has also secured endorsements from prominent figures, including Ann Arbor Mayor Chris Taylor and Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald, further establishing her support network across diverse demographics within the state.
The electoral climate in Michigan remains active with over 1.2 million absentee ballots returned ahead of the November general election. Voter participation has been robust, with turnout exceeding 2 million residents for the recent primary, marking a continued trend where absentee voting has surpassed in-person voting for the third consecutive election cycle.
While the electoral process has seen strong participation, there have been reports of local voter intimidation incidents during early voting, prompting responses from law enforcement agencies. In response to weather-related polling location changes, Secretary Benson confirmed that clear signage was posted to inform voters, and there were no reported disruptions during the voting process.
As both Democratic and Republican candidates intensify their campaign efforts, significant fundraising activities are underway in anticipation of the November election, setting the stage for what may be one of Michigan’s most pivotal gubernatorial races in recent history.
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HERE Resources
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Detroit Mayor Proposes $4.5 Billion Education Investment
Poll Shows Early Lead for Jocelyn Benson in Michigan Governor Race
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John James Announces Gubernatorial Campaign for 2026
Additional Resources
- Michigan Chronicle
- Detroit Free Press
- Bridge Michigan
- Lansing State Journal
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Michigan
- Google Search: Michigan politics
- Google Scholar: Michigan elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan
- Google News: Michigan gubernatorial election
