Jocelyn Benson focuses on costs in her run for governor
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson supports a moratorium on data center development until the state establishes environmental and economic safeguards. She also wants public hearings, greater transparency from developers and a statewide portal showing where data center permits are being sought.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, said her campaign will focus on reducing costs, raising wages, housing and public safety. In an interview with WDET, she proposed streamlining state services and permitting while addressing Michigan's housing and education challenges.
Benson supports pausing data center development until Michigan adopts environmental and economic guardrails. She said residents near proposed projects should receive more information and opportunities to participate in public hearings, and proposed creating a statewide portal showing where developers are seeking permits. Republican candidate John James has also called for a data center moratorium.