Michigan's top election official wins Democratic primary for governor, advances to battleground race

Michigan's top election official for the past eight years will now work to keep the governor's office in Democratic Party hands as Republicans aim to flip the seat. 

Benson will face off in the general election against either Rep. John James or multi-millionaire businessman Perry Johnson, who are facing off for the GOP nomination.

Benson touts her track record in Lansing, including election security and efficiency in office, as she runs for governor. And her campaign has focused on protecting democracy, lowering costs for families, expanding affordable housing, defending reproductive rights and improving public education.

Swanson grabbed national attention in the summer of 2020, when protests from coast to coast broke out over the death of George Floyd. Swanson was credited with keeping the peace as he took off his body armor to march with protesters in Flint, Michigan.