Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State, has cultivated a reputation – one steeped in controversy and accusations of dishonesty. Comparisons to figures like Hillary Clinton aren’t simply political jabs; they speak to a deeply ingrained public perception of a politician perceived as calculating and lacking transparency.
The narrative surrounding Benson took a particularly sharp turn with questions raised about the 2020 election. Allegations surfaced regarding the handling of ballot counting at the TCF Center in Detroit, specifically claims that windows were covered during the process. Benson’s explanation, initially stating Detroit Police covered the windows due to broken glass and locked-out poll challengers, has been fiercely disputed and labeled a falsehood.
Further fueling the controversy, Benson publicly dismissed concerns about USPS workers depositing stacks of absentee ballots into drop boxes – a practice explicitly intended for individual voters. She characterized this activity as “perfectly legal and normal,” a statement that ignited widespread criticism and deepened suspicions about her commitment to election integrity.
Since assuming office, Benson has faced a staggering 69 lawsuits related to election issues. While she’s secured some victories, she’s also lost five cases and experienced mixed results in seven others, highlighting the persistent legal challenges to her decisions and policies.
Currently, a legal battle with the US Department of Justice centers on Benson’s refusal to release Michigan’s voter rolls. Her justification – protecting the Social Security numbers of voters from federal access – has been met with skepticism, given the federal government’s existing access to such information.
A recent campaign ad proved to be a stunning misstep. The ad featured a man attempting a trust fall, seemingly representing Michigan voters, only to be casually abandoned by Benson as she walked away. The imagery resonated powerfully, visually reinforcing the perception that she cannot be trusted.
The ad’s accompanying message – “You can’t trust corporate-backed politicians, but you can always trust me” – rang hollow in light of her own financial connections. A closer examination of her campaign funding reveals significant contributions from wealthy donors, including billionaire Stephen Ross and members of the Soros family.
These donors have a history of supporting progressive causes and organizations that advocate for policies often at odds with traditional election integrity measures. The Advancement Project, a recipient of funding from Soros-affiliated foundations, actively opposes voter ID laws and pushes for expanded voting access for felons.
The ad quickly became a lightning rod for criticism online. Social media users flooded platforms with memes and montages highlighting Benson’s perceived dishonesty and untrustworthiness, effectively turning her own campaign material against her.
One particularly impactful post showcased a compilation of clips underscoring Benson’s questionable statements and actions, reminding voters of the controversies that have defined her tenure. The message was clear: trust, once broken, is exceedingly difficult to regain.
