Pete Buttigieg endorses Jocelyn Benson for Michigan governor
LANSING, Mich. - Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has endorsed Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to be Michigan's next governor, Benson's campaign announced Monday.
Buttigieg, a Michigan resident and a Democratic former presidential candidate who might run again in 2028, was expected to appear later Monday with Benson at a campaign event in Traverse City.
"In Michigan, I've seen firsthand how Jocelyn Benson has delivered for the people of this state and shown how government can make everyday life better throughout her public service," Buttigieg said in a statement, provided to The Detroit News. "She's focused on expanding healthcare access, taking on the big utility companies that raise our costs, building housing and ensuring our state government works for us.
"I know Jocelyn, and I am confident she will be an excellent governor."
The endorsement came during Benson's "Costs Down, Wages Up" tour and about four weeks before the Aug. 4 primary election.
Buttigieg's support was another sign of key Democratic officials in Michigan aligning behind Benson, who's the heavy favorite to win their party's nomination. Her lone primary opponent is Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson of Fenton.
Benson launched her bid for governor in January 2025. Benson previously served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. She's in her second term as Michigan's secretary of state.
Michigan's current governor, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, can't run for reelection because of the state's term limits.
Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, moved to northern Michigan about four years ago. Chasten is originally from Traverse City. Buttigieg is also known as "Mayor Pete" for his time as mayor of South Bend in Indiana. He served as transportation secretary under Democratic former President Joe Biden.
Buttigieg previously passed on running for Michigan governor and the state's open U.S. Senate seat this year. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.
_____
(Staff writer Melissa Nann Burke contributed.)
_____
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.