Overview:
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson met with tribal leaders to discuss strengthening tribal-state relations, protecting tribal sovereignty, opposing Enbridge Line 5 and ensuring the continuation of Michigan’s criminal investigation into Indian boarding schools.
Native Vote 2026
With less than three weeks before the midterm elections on Nov. 3, 2026, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, 48, the Democratic candidate for governor, attended the United Tribes of Michigan’s quarterly meeting Friday afternoon, where tribal leaders pressed her on sovereignty, environmental protection and the future of tribal-state relations.
Benson, who is finishing her second term as Michigan’s secretary of state, delivered brief remarks highlighting her commitment to working with Tribal Nations, respecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring tribal leaders have a seat at the table in state government.
“I’m grateful to be here with all of you and eager to hear from you about what you see the next decade of our state looking like from a governor from the state to ensure that your sovereignty is respected, but that also we’re working together to drive down costs of health care, housing, electricity costs, child care to invest in more well-paying jobs, diversifying our economies, and that also we can ensure your rights, your freedoms, your voice is protected,” Benson said.