(WWJ) In a race that keeps Michigan’s executive branch under Democratic leadership, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has declared victory in the election for governor, predicted to defeat Republican U.S. Representative John James with 80% of the votes counted.
Benson was declared the winner early Wednesday morning, by The Associated Press, NBC, CNN and the Detroit News.
>> Michigan Midterm Election Results
The win extends Democratic control of the governor's office in Lansing following the tenure of term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Benson’s victory carries significant historical weight in Michigan electoral politics, breaking a pattern of alternating party rule that had endured for roughly 35 years, during which no single party had retained the governor's mansion for more than two consecutive terms.
To achieve the hold, Benson navigated a high-stakes campaign marked by tens of millions of dollars in spending across the primary and general elections. While she maintained a financial and television advertising edge for much of the cycle, the closing weeks saw a multi-million-dollar surge of outside spending and party-backed advertising bolstering James.
Speaking before supporters early Wednesday morning in Detroit, Benson told the crowd: "We showed the nation that in our democracy, the power of the people will always rule the day. We’re not going to accept getting by because the American dream is our birthright, and greatness is in our DNA. We just need leadership who believes in you as much as I do."
"...This is a victory for every one of us, every Michiganders, like my friend Gwen, and so many others," Benson said. "My friend Gwen has to look at her bills every night and figure out how to make ends meet, and I know so many Michiganders feel that same way. But, Gwen, this night is a victory for you, and all of us."
"It is a win for our kids, our kids who deserve to grow up in a state that is the best place in the nation to call home."
She added, "and now the work begins."
She also said Democrats will take back control of the State House from Republicans.
Conceding the race in a call to Jocelyn Benson later Wednesday morning, James expressed appreciation to his supporters and affirmed his faith in the state's future. In a statement reflecting on the campaign, James said, in part:
“My heart is actually full of gratitude; for volunteers, donors, staff, all of you who believed in this Michigan and for everything you gave along the way. Michigan's still the greatest state in the nation…and the potential we have here is absolutely amazing.”
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Get your local election results online:
- MACOMB COUNTY ELECTION PAGE
- OAKLAND COUNTY ELECTION PAGE
- WAYNE COUNTY ELECTION PAGE
- CITY OF DETROIT ELECTION PAGE
- STATE OF MICHIGAN ELECTION PAGE
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