Michigan voters choose between Jocelyn Benson and John James for governor
The gist
Michigan voters pick a new governor between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James.
Benson led most late polls; the winner shapes state policy after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
How it unfolded
- Sep 8, 2026A WDIV/Detroit News poll shows Benson at 46.8% and James at 42.7%, with 9.6% undecided.
- Oct 13, 2026WLNS reports Benson leads James by 7 percentage points in a new statewide poll ahead of the candidates' final debate.
- Oct 19, 2026 to Oct 22, 2026A WDIV-Detroit News-Glengariff poll of 600 likely voters shows Benson 51.4%, James 44.5%, 4% undecided, with a margin of error of ±4 points.