Michigan · Governor · Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Where do the candidates stand on public safety?
Jocelyn BensonDemocrat
John JamesRepublican
Part of the full Michigan Governor comparison · Last reviewed October 19, 2026
Public Safety
Each position is labeled by what it rests on: a campaign proposal, a public statement, a past action such as a vote or lawsuit, or an enacted policy. Where nothing is documented, the page says so.
Documented positions
Jocelyn Benson
Says reducing gun violence would be a top priority; calls for what she terms gun safety legislation and for giving law enforcement and community partners the tools they need.
Show the evidence (2)Hide the evidence
- Public statementJuly 16, 2026
Said in July 2026 that reducing gun violence would be a top priority if elected, and that law enforcement and other community partners must be equipped with the tools they need. SourceDetroit crime hits decades-low as Michigan governor candidates debate how to keep progress going (opens in a new tab)WDIV ClickOnDetroit · July 16, 2026 · News
- Public statementMay 16, 2026
At a gun violence prevention forum in Detroit in May 2026, said Michigan had shown it was possible to elect leaders who would take solutions to Lansing to ensure “we’re passing legislation on gun safety.” Her campaign says she worked as secretary of state to ban guns at polling places; her October 2020 directive barring the open carry of firearms near polling places was blocked by a Court of Claims injunction before the 2020 election, and the Court of Appeals declined to hear the state's appeal; the state's application to the Michigan Supreme Court was dismissed in December 2020 on a stipulation of the parties. 4 sourcesAt Gun Violence Prevention Forum, Jocelyn Benson Lays Out Vision to Keep Michiganders Safe and Secure (opens in a new tab)Jocelyn Benson for Governor · May 16, 2026 · CampaignMichigan Supreme Court fails to respond to firearm appeal prior to Election Day (opens in a new tab)WNMU-FM · Nov. 2, 2020 · NewsState appeals guns-at-polls decision (opens in a new tab)Michigan Public · Oct. 29, 2020 · NewsOrder, Davis v Secretary of State (SC 162184) and Lambert v Secretary of State (SC 162185) (opens in a new tab)Michigan Supreme Court · Dec. 11, 2020 · Court record
- Public statementJuly 16, 2026
Said in July 2026 that reducing gun violence would be a top priority if elected, and that law enforcement and other community partners must be equipped with the tools they need. SourceDetroit crime hits decades-low as Michigan governor candidates debate how to keep progress going (opens in a new tab)WDIV ClickOnDetroit · July 16, 2026 · News
- Public statementMay 16, 2026
At a gun violence prevention forum in Detroit in May 2026, said Michigan had shown it was possible to elect leaders who would take solutions to Lansing to ensure “we’re passing legislation on gun safety.” Her campaign says she worked as secretary of state to ban guns at polling places; her October 2020 directive barring the open carry of firearms near polling places was blocked by a Court of Claims injunction before the 2020 election, and the Court of Appeals declined to hear the state's appeal; the state's application to the Michigan Supreme Court was dismissed in December 2020 on a stipulation of the parties. 4 sourcesAt Gun Violence Prevention Forum, Jocelyn Benson Lays Out Vision to Keep Michiganders Safe and Secure (opens in a new tab)Jocelyn Benson for Governor · May 16, 2026 · CampaignMichigan Supreme Court fails to respond to firearm appeal prior to Election Day (opens in a new tab)WNMU-FM · Nov. 2, 2020 · NewsState appeals guns-at-polls decision (opens in a new tab)Michigan Public · Oct. 29, 2020 · NewsOrder, Davis v Secretary of State (SC 162184) and Lambert v Secretary of State (SC 162185) (opens in a new tab)Michigan Supreme Court · Dec. 11, 2020 · Court record
John James
Pledges to back law enforcement, keep people convicted of violent crimes incarcerated and end what he calls sanctuary city policies.
Show the evidence (2)Hide the evidence
- Campaign proposalJuly 8, 2026
His campaign says he would make public safety his top priority by keeping violent criminals behind bars, backing law enforcement and ending sanctuary city policies. 2 sourcesTrump-Endorsed John James Releases New Ad Promising to Restore Law and Order (opens in a new tab)John James for MI · July 8, 2026 · CampaignMeet the candidates running in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race (opens in a new tab)WDIV ClickOnDetroit · Aug. 8, 2026 · News
- Campaign proposal2026
His campaign platform calls for fully funding law enforcement and for safe communities through prevention, mental-health support and school safety. 2 sourcesJohn James (Michigan) (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceMichigan Governor — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire
- Campaign proposalJuly 8, 2026
His campaign says he would make public safety his top priority by keeping violent criminals behind bars, backing law enforcement and ending sanctuary city policies. 2 sourcesTrump-Endorsed John James Releases New Ad Promising to Restore Law and Order (opens in a new tab)John James for MI · July 8, 2026 · CampaignMeet the candidates running in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race (opens in a new tab)WDIV ClickOnDetroit · Aug. 8, 2026 · News
- Campaign proposal2026
His campaign platform calls for fully funding law enforcement and for safe communities through prevention, mental-health support and school safety. 2 sourcesJohn James (Michigan) (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · ReferenceMichigan Governor — VOTE411 Voter Guide (opens in a new tab)League of Women Voters Education Fund (VOTE411) · 2026 · Candidate questionnaire
Something wrong or missing? Report an error