Primary election voters were decisive in their choices to run for governor this November.
Democrats picked Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republicans chose U.S. Rep. John James.
And as the candidates delivered victory speeches Tuesday night, they swiftly turned their attention to the general election.
Benson told a crowd in Detroit that she wants to grow the economy, improve schools, and make housing more affordable. She also said the election is about protecting the values of democracy.
“You all know that I will work with anyone and everyone to get that done,” she said. “But I am also unafraid to stand up to anyone who gets in our way, and this moment needs leaders who will stand up with courage, unafraid, to bullies.”
“I will work for all of you and every Michigander in this state. Not the highest bidder, not corporate interests, not Donald Trump – you,” she said to the cheers of the crowd.
Benson is attempting the rarely achieved feat in Michigan of succeeding a retiring governor of the same party – which has not happened since the state constitution of 1963 established four-year gubernatorial terms.
Benson faced just a token challenge from Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the primary, which allowed her to save resources for the general election. Her campaign announced this week it has already booked a $10 million ad buy heading into the general election.
James, speaking to supporters in Sterling Heights, slammed Benson for her role in state government during the past eight years.
“Jocelyn Benson promises a new direction, but she’s been a part of the leadership that got us lost in the first place,” James told attendees at his victory party.
John James acknowledged President Donald Trump in his speech. The president’s endorsement gave the James campaign a significant boost, even convincing two other candidates to withdraw from the race.
But before he turns his attention fully on the November election, James must now rally support among Republicans who didn’t vote for him.
Businessman Perry Johnson picked up about a third of the GOP vote in the primary. For months, Johnson’s campaign repeatedly attacked James, calling him a “Lying Liberal Loser.”
After James declared victory, Johnson released a written statement that does not appear to be a political olive branch: “The career politicians and special interests may win tonight, but they will not win the future. We will make Michigan great again!”
The winner of November’s general election will succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited.
This story is from reporting by the Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta and Steve Carmody of Michigan Public.
