FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 25, 2026
Contact: Chad Cyrowski, CCyrowski@miaflcio.org, 248.867.9508
Benson’s record as Secretary of State shows she’ll put workers first as Governor
LANSING, MI — Today, the Michigan AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor federation and home to over 1 million active and retired union members and their families, endorsed Jocelyn Benson for Governor. An endorsement from Michigan’s labor movement means more funding, more boots on the ground, and more support from Michigan’s workers — and comes at a critical time for voters struggling to make ends meet.
Jocelyn Benson will fight to raise wages, lower costs and create good-paying jobs and apprenticeships across our great state. Benson’s commitment to expanding apprenticeships in Michigan with more funding for “earn-while-you-learn” programs will help provide pathways to good-paying, union jobs for more Michiganders. And while Trump goes after safety standards, Benson will defend MIOSHA against attacks from the Trump administration.
“Jocelyn Benson has fought for workers as Secretary of State and she’ll continue that fight as Michigan’s next governor,” said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Michigan workers need a governor who will lower costs, raise wages, protect safe workplaces, and ensure workers have a voice on the job. Union members across Michigan are excited to support Jocelyn Benson for Governor.”
Jocelyn Benson has made it clear whose side she’s on: workers, not corporations. Benson has pledged to protect workers’ rights, strengthen MIOSHA, expand union apprenticeships, and stand with workers on the picket line.
“The Michigan AFL-CIO represents and amplifies the voices of over a million hard-working Michiganders who power our economy and build our communities,” said Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. “I’m proud to have them on the team because Michiganders need a governor who will fight to lower their costs, raise their wages, and make sure their families can succeed. I won’t hesitate to take on anyone — no matter how powerful — who gets in the way of that mission. Together, we can build a Michigan where everyone can afford to live and thrive.”
The Michigan AFL-CIO endorsement process includes a thorough vetting of each candidate’s experience, policy positions, and plan to win. Union members spent hundreds of hours interviewing applicants, reviewing detailed questionnaire responses, and carefully considering the strengths of all contenders. As a labor federation, the Michigan AFL-CIO’s endorsement decisions are determined by a vote of its affiliated unions.
The Michigan AFL-CIO encourages voters to learn more about Jocelyn Benson here: https://www.jocelynbenson.com/.
The Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan’s largest labor organization, is a federation representing forty different labor organizations, eighteen different central labor councils, and eight constituency groups representing over 1 million union members and their families.
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