Addressing Michigan’s Black Maternal Health Crisis
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has highlighted the pressing issue of Michigan’s Black maternal health crisis as a central focus of her gubernatorial campaign. According to Benson, Black women in the state are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.
Speaking at a news conference in Flint, Benson emphasized the urgency of addressing this disparity, stating, “I hear the heartbreaking stories from women around the country and in our own state, and it doesn’t have to be this way.” Maternal health advocate Danielle Atkinson also joined the event, expressing concerns about the existing problem.
Benson, drawing from her experience as Michigan’s Secretary of State, discussed plans to streamline and reorganize the health department to effectively implement strategies aimed at improving Black maternal health outcomes. She pledged to ensure that every agency operates with efficiency and a focus on customer service, mirroring the approach of her current office.
While Benson did not specify a particular budget for her proposal, she outlined intentions to enhance pre- and post-natal care, as well as expand access to doula and midwifery services. Her campaign is part of a competitive field vying to succeed Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Gubernatorial Race Landscape
In the Democratic race for the 2026 gubernatorial nomination, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces contenders such as Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Marni Sawicki, former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist has withdrawn from the competition.
On the Republican side, notable candidates include former Attorney General Mike Cox, former state House speaker Tom Leonard, current state Senate minority leader Aric Nesbitt, and congressman John James. Additionally, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent candidate for governor.
