Benson Accuses GOP of Using 'False' Rhetoric To Encourage Trump to Interfere With Michigan's Elections

President Trump and Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson

Twenty-two Michigan GOP lawmakers on Thursday asked President Trump's Justice Department to deploy monitors to vote-counting facilities and to provide general oversight for the state's upcoming elections in 2026, Craig Mauger of the Detroit News reports.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawmakers expressed concern about a conflict of interest in which Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is overseeing the 2026 election while also appearing on the ballot in the governor's race.

"Such a situation risks compromising the impartiality required for fair election oversight and demands external federal scrutiny to maintain public trust," the letter says.

Benson shot back through spokeswoman Angela Benander, who told The News that Republican lawmakers are using "dangerous, false rhetoric to encourage President Trump to illegally interfere in our state’s ability to hold fair and free elections."

The News notes that it isn't unusual around the country for a secretary of state to oversee an election while appearing on the ballot.