Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Says She’ll Bring Higher-Paying Jobs to Black Voters in Episode 5 of ‘What’s Popular?’
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson wants to put real wealth-building opportunities back in the hands of Black voters and the people of her state at large. To do that, she’s prepared to drive down costs, invest in small businesses, and even work across the aisle and with President Donald J. Trump to do so. Benson revealed her pledges during her interview with The Root publisher Ashley Allison for the fifth episode of our “What’s Popular?” digital series. Check out the full episode here.
During their conversation, Benson—the Democratic candidate for governor—explained how her background in doing civil rights work in Alabama not only informed her passion to see the unheard voices of Black and brown folks be heard, but it allowed her to see the economic disparities and disadvantages plaguing their communities. That’s why she determined to generate more economic growth for Black voters by empowering small businesses, helping folks monetize their creativity, and bringing well-paying jobs in an array of industries back to her constituents, if elected.
Related: The Root Launches What’s Popular? Political Series
“My mission as governor will be to drive down costs and increasewell-paying jobs, with an eye toward real wealth creation,” she told Allison in part. “A lot of that is small business, microbusiness growth. Helping people monetize their creativity, their great ideas. Investing in creative cultures as well, so that people who are writing things or drawing things or creating things can monetize.”
Benson also shared her desire and plans to invest in advanced manufacturing jobs, aviation, and the auto industry so people can get workforce opportunities outside of becoming entrepreneurs.
In another part of the interview, Benson discussed her willingness to work with Trump and his administration to get Michiganders the resources they need. While she admitted to being open to working across the aisle if it’ll ensure the proper help, she made it crystal clear that she won’t be intimidated by the president’s “bullying.”
“I’ll never hesitate to work with anyone who can help me diversify our industry and all the rest. But I’ll be honest and unafraid to stand up to anyone, as well, who would get in the way of that,” Benson said.
Referring to Trump, she continued: “His bullying tactics do not work on me. Because when he tried to pressure me into turning over the private voting information of our citizens, I told him no, and I’ll see you in court. And we won…I did not waver; I did not bend. Instead, I stood strong, protected the votes of Michiganders because that’s my duty. Protect the law, protect the Constitution, protect the people of Michigan.”
Benson also took aim at her opponent, Black republican candidate John James, describing him as “unfit” to be governor due to how he fell in line with Trump
“When he’s gone to Congress, he’s raised our costs. He’s become a multi-millionaire, buying stocks in companies he’s supposed to regulate. And then he’s done every single thing Donald Trump asked him to do,” Benson explained. “Every lie Donald Trump tells, he repeats. Every bad economic policy Donald Trump promotes. Tariffs that are costing us more than any other state, he supports. I’m an election defender; he’s an election denier. I think that’s a clear choice facing Michiganders this fall.”
Elsewhere in their conversation, Benson talked about her plans to fix the DMV, her stance on A.I. data centers, building a winning coalition to get things done, and so much more.
Tune in to The Root’s YouTube to watch the full interview.
