Jocelyn Benson Speaks On Lowering Costs, Building A Michigan For Everyone

Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson spoke Wednesday in Detroit, a day after she is projected to be the next governor in Michigan.

She focused mostly on lowering costs and building a Michigan for everyone.

"We want to implement a vision for Michigan that includes everyone, where the people who work hard can afford to build a life here, and that works always for them, prioritizing them over anyone who would try to raise their costs for profit-driven reasons," Benson said.

Multiple media outlets project Benson defeated Republican John James by more than 500,000 votes in Tuesday's Midterm elections. Her lieutenant governor will be Winnie Brinks, making the two the first all-female ticket to win Michigan's governor’s race.

Speaking in Detroit, Benson talked about lowering housing, childcare and energy costs across the state.

"I know this office belongs to the people of Michigan, and we will proudly work for them to deliver results, guided by that principle: People first always, with a commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, collaboration and making sure the public’s business is always conducted in the public interest," Benson said.

Benson will take office with full Democratic support in Lansing. It appears Democrats will hold a 62-48 advantage in the House and a 23-15 advantage in the Senate.

It's just the second time in 45 years that Democrats will control all of Lansing.

Benson said voters had "given us a clear mandate to work for them, to lower costs, to grow our economy, to improve our public schools, and get things done."

"We will meet that mandate working hand in hand with our legislative leaders and everyone in the legislature on both sides of the aisle, frankly, from day one because we want to implement a vision for Michigan that includes everyone," Benson said.

James conceded the race Wednesday morning, saying he called to congratulate her.

"My heart is actually full of gratitude … for volunteers, donors, staff, all of you who believed in this Michigan and for everything you gave along the way," James said in a statement. "Michigan’s still the greatest state in the nation … and the potential we have here is absolutely amazing."

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