GUNNING FOR GOVERNOR
All the chatter is over who will be jumping into the primary races for governor – especially with Duggan in his own lane. While she has not “officially” announced, everyone in the political class acknowledges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is definitely running for the Democratic nomination. Benson, who is term limited in her current position, will have significant financial backing, those in the know say, from New York real estate titan and University of Michigan megadonor Stephen Ross – he’s the ‘Ross’ in the Ross School of Business. While Ross is a noted Republican, the two have a long friendship – Benson has served as a special advisor on philanthropic investments by Ross, who graduated from Wayne State University School of Law in 1965. Lest anyone forget, Benson was dean of that law school before she became SOS. It also is looking more and more likely that new-Michigander (Traverse City) Pete Buttigieg is giving serious consideration to a run. “It appears he is clearly thinking of it, and he’s not intimidated by it,” said a top state Democrat. Buttigieg was spotted all over the state pre-election as a Harris-surrogate, and was especially prevalent in Oakland County in the days before November 5. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who was given a speaking part at the DNC convention, continues to have his name floated, but his name recognition remains minimal. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow also received prominent TV placement at the DNC convention, carrying that big ‘2025’ book – as she continues to mull her options. On the Republican side, former Attorney General Mike Cox is talking about running. But will voters remember Cox – who last ran, and lost, in 2012, to former Gov. Rick Snyder, in what is now prehistoric times? “I don’t think he’s crazy enough to win a primary,” said one top Republican. “Just remember, the governor’s race is a long way out,” cautioned one in the know, who is staying out of the race. “To run for governor, you have to get signatures statewide by April 2026. That is a long way out. And you have to successfully fund a campaign. I don’t think there is capacity for everyone.” Wise words. Stay tuned.
