Jocelyn Benson Triumphs Over John James: Trump and Republicans’ Disastrous Energy Policy Cost Them Election

LANSING, MI— Tonight, Democrat Jocelyn Benson defeated Republican John James in a historic victory for the people of Michigan. By electing Benson the next Governor, Michiganders made their disapproval of Republicans’ energy policy known: from the war in Iran that is driving up gas and diesel prices, to the clean energy cuts and data centers with no guardrails that drove up utility bills. 

Time and time again, Republicans like James blocked the path to cheaper, faster, cleaner energy, and now Michigan families and businesses are paying for it three times over — at the pump, on their utility bills, and through the data centers polluting their communities. Benson will tackle corporate greed and pollution, put guardrails on utility bill-raising, polluting data centers, and lower utility costs by investing in affordable clean energy.

Benson said what voters are thinking when she stated: “It’s past time we hold utility companies accountable, end profit-driven rate hikes, and invest in clean energy infrastructure so your monthly bills go down instead of up.” 

“The people of Michigan chose Jocelyn Benson in this election because they know she will work for an affordable future that includes access to cheaper, cleaner energy,” said Climate Power’s Michigan Director Tom Lenard. “John James and his fellow Republicans rubber-stamped Trump’s agenda at every turn, and now they’re paying the price. With Benson, Michiganders will have a leader fighting for them –not for Trump and billionaires – in Lansing next year .” 

###