Benson pledges to cap data centers and fight Canada tariffs in Michigan race

Jocelyn Benson, the current Michigan Secretary of State, has launched a concrete plan to pause new data center construction until the state establishes strict regulatory standards. The Democratic candidate for governor detailed these proposals during an interview on October 26, framing the issue as a critical battleground for local control and economic stability ahead of the November election.

Benson stated that she will call for a moratorium on data center development. She argued that current projects often strain community resources without sufficient oversight. Her proposal requires new facilities to adhere to protections for water resources and energy costs. Local residents would gain a formal voice in community benefits agreements through a new digital portal that tracks proposed developments.

The candidate also proposed a new strategy to address rising costs driven by trade friction. She intends to negotiate subnational agreements between Michigan and Canada. These deals would seek exemptions on specific goods, such as auto parts, to mitigate the impact of federal tariffs. Benson cited Maine’s agreement on rock salt as a model for how state-level diplomacy can shield local industries from federal trade decisions.

Benson, who has served as Secretary of State since 2019, cited her record in modernizing state agencies as evidence of her management style. She noted that Michigan elections moved from 30th to second in national safety rankings during her tenure. She also highlighted reforms at the Department of Motor Vehicles, including the installation of kiosks in grocery stores to reduce wait times and save citizens money.

If elected, Benson said she would continue the Whitmer administration’s reinvestment in public education. She plans to increase teacher salaries and restructure funding to meet the specific needs of individual school districts. She also proposed administrative changes at the Department of Health and Human Services to help residents appeal insurance denials and manage medical debt.

The campaign centers on the idea that efficient government operations can directly lower the cost of living. Benson argued that streamlining licensing for childcare centers and small businesses would accelerate economic growth. She positioned her experience running the state’s largest administrative agencies as a preparation for governing the entire executive branch.

Benson’s platform contrasts sharply with her Republican opponent, whom she accused of voting to raise healthcare premiums and block local input on data center siting. She described the upcoming election as a choice between continuing her administrative approach or reverting to previous policy directions. The interview concluded with her commitment to use executive authority to protect Michigan’s economy from external pressures.