MI-GOV: AG (D): Benson (D) gubernatorial announcement in public building violated campaign finance act
The secretary of state’s use of a government building – one that houses the department she oversees – to announce her candidacy for governor violated Michigan’s campaign finance laws, the Department of Attorney General said Monday.
That said, the department noted it did not have the authority to impose any civil penalties against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, nor any criminal penalties outlined in the law.
Benson jumped into the 2026 gubernatorial ring on January 22 with a press conference held in the lobby of the Austin building. Benson said then that the announcement was being held inside the building due to the cold weather. Reporters at the event questioned whether other candidates could also use the lobby for similar announcements, with some noting that other candidates had not been allowed to do so in the past.
Benson told reporters that other candidates could use the lobby if they’d like to announce their campaigns – which led to complaints from Republicans.
https://michiganadvance.com/2025/05/19/ag-benson-gubernatorial-announcement-in-public-building-violated-campaign-finance-act/