Polls show Benson leading James in Michigan governor’s race

(The Center Square) – The latest polling shows Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leading Republican U.S. Rep. John James in Michigan's gubernatorial race.

The average of the last five polls compiled by 270toWin report Benson leading 51% to James' 43.2%, a 7.8% margin that exceeds the margin of error in nearly all polls.

The most-recent poll in the race was released Tuesday and found Benson leading by 6%.

With just six days to go to Election Day, both candidates are busy giving their final pitches to Michiganders.

"Let's leave no stone unturned," Benson said , recently campaigning alongside former President Barack Obama. "When we fight, we will win."

James, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, argues it is "time for change" in Michigan.

"I love Michigan. I believe in our people. And I believe we can do BETTER," James said on Tuesday. "November 3rd is our chance to make a change."

Prior to her election as secretary of state in 2018, Benson worked as an attorney and as dean of Wayne State University Law School.

In her role as Michigan's chief elections official, Benson has been vocal in her opposition to the Trump administration.

Over the past year, she has received significant backlash from state Republicans over everything from election integrity concerns to her past involvement with the Southern Poverty Law Center following a federal indictment against the organization.

Benson's top campaign issues are affordability, housing, and healthcare.

James was first elected to the U.S. House in 2022, after two failed campaigns for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020 and a failed campaign for governor in 2022.

A veteran and businessman, James is running on a "Freedom Agenda." His platform prioritizes ethics reform and transparency, ending fraud and waste, and passing a parents' bill of rights.

James has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

The last Republican governor of Michigan was Rick Snyder, who served from 2011 to 2019. He was succeeded by Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, who has held the office for the last eight years.

Michigan governors are limited to two four-year terms.

Currently, analysts consider the race "lean Democrat," an improvement for Republicans from an earlier rating of "likely Democrat." Betting markets give Benson a 92% chance of winning.

Absentee ballots have already gone out across Michigan, and early in-person voting began on Saturday.