(WWJ) Jocelyn Benson is the projected winner of the Democratic primary in the race for governor of Michigan.
The Associated Press called Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial primary for Secretary of State Benson, shortly after polls closed Tuesday night.
>> LIVE ELECTION RESULTS FROM THE AP
Benson handily defeated Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson to secure the Democratic nomination to succeed outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Swanson is the long-serving Sheriff of Genesee County -- known for launching innovative law enforcement and jail education programs like I.G.N.I.T.E.
While Swanson was well-liked in his county and by certain groups, polls shows Benson had a commanding lead fairly early on during the campaign. Swanson declined during the campaign to attack his opponent, saying on multiple occasions that he likes Benson, that they are friends, and that she was just another option for voters.
First elected as Secretary of State in 2018, Benson campaigned on a platform focused on lowering costs, expanding access to education, and protecting voting rights. With the nomination secured, Benson will advance to the November general election to represent the Democratic ticket.
Benson will face off against Republican John James in the November general electron.
If you noticed that lines at your precinct were short on Tuesday, keep in mind that more than a million Michiganders already voted.
The Secretary of State's Office says 1.2 million voters cast absentee ballots and took advantage of early, in-person voting. The 138,000 people who voted in-person over the past week-and-a-half was nearly double the number from four years ago.
Get Michigan 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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