Jocelyn Benson is an American attorney, academic, and politician serving as the 43rd Secretary of State of Michigan since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the dean of Wayne State University Law School. Benson is recognized for her work in election law and administration, as well as her commitment to civil rights.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 22, 1977, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jocelyn Benson graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College in 1999. At Wellesley, she founded the now-annual Women in American Political Activism conference and became the first student elected to serve on the governing body of Wellesley, Massachusetts. She earned a Master of Philosophy in sociology as a Marshall Scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford, where she researched the sociological implications of white supremacy and neo-Nazism. Benson obtained her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, further solidifying her expertise in law and civil rights.
Personal Life
Jocelyn Benson is known for her balanced approach to both her professional and personal life. She is married to Christopher O’Neil, whom she wed in 2017. Their partnership is a significant part of her personal life, and together, they maintain a relatively private family life despite her prominent political role. Benson has often emphasized the importance of work-life balance and staying grounded while fulfilling her high-profile public duties. Her personal values reflect her deep commitment to public service and her advocacy for civic engagement, and she has maintained strong connections with her community throughout her career.
Family
Jocelyn Benson comes from a supportive family background, though her parents’ names are not widely disclosed in public records. She has spoken about the influence of her family in shaping her values, particularly her commitment to justice and equality. While there is little public information about her extended family, her immediate family plays an integral part in her life. Benson is known for her deep respect for her parents’ guidance and support throughout her education and career, which have been instrumental in her personal and professional success
| Date of Birth |
October 22, 1977 |
| Place of Birth |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Political Party |
Democratic |
| Position |
Secretary of State of Michigan (43rd) |
| Years Active |
2018–present |
| Education |
Wellesley College (Magna Cum Laude), Master of Philosophy from Oxford University, Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School |
| Profession |
Attorney, Academic, Politician |
| Spouse |
Christopher O’Neil (married in 2017) |
| Parents |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Height |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth (2024) |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Notable Roles |
Dean of Wayne State University Law School (2012–2016), Co-Founder of Military Spouses of Michigan |
| Key Achievements |
Secured Michigan’s election system, improved voting accessibility, elected Secretary of State of Michigan (2018) |
Professional Career
Wayne State University Law School
Benson joined Wayne State University Law School in 2005 as an associate professor, focusing on civil rights and election law. She served as the associate director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights before being appointed dean in December 2012, a position she held until September 2016. During her tenure, she emphasized public service and legal education, preparing students for careers dedicated to justice and equality.
Military Spouses of Michigan
Demonstrating her commitment to supporting military families, Benson co-founded the Military Spouses of Michigan, an organization dedicated to providing resources and advocacy for spouses of military personnel. This initiative reflects her broader dedication to community service and support for those serving the nation.
Secretary of State of Michigan
In 2018, Benson was elected as Michigan’s Secretary of State, becoming the first Democrat to hold the office since 1995. She was re-elected in 2022 with a significant margin, underscoring her popularity and effectiveness in the role. As Secretary of State, Benson has focused on ensuring secure and accessible elections, implementing new voting rights, and overseeing audits to affirm election integrity. Her leadership has been instrumental in modernizing Michigan’s election infrastructure and promoting transparency.
Physical Appearance
Jocelyn Benson is known for her professional demeanor and approachable presence. While specific details about her height and physical appearance are not publicly documented, her confident and composed public appearances reflect her dedication to her role and responsibilities.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, specific details regarding Jocelyn Benson’s net worth are not publicly disclosed. Her career has spanned academia, public service, and law, indicating a professional background dedicated to public good over personal financial gain.
Social Media Accounts
Jocelyn Benson maintains an active presence on social media platforms to engage with the public and provide updates on her initiatives.
Latest News
As of January 22, 2025, Jocelyn Benson, the Secretary of State of Michigan, has made headlines with her announcement to run for Governor in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election. Benson’s campaign is expected to focus on critical issues such as enhancing education, reducing the cost of living, and advancing the ongoing efforts to secure and expand voting rights in the state. This move has garnered attention as she steps into the political spotlight once again, aiming to build on her success in election administration and her strong public service record. Her candidacy could reshape Michigan’s political landscape, making her a key figure to watch in the coming years.
FAQs
1. Who is Jocelyn Benson?
Jocelyn Benson is an American attorney, academic, and politician currently serving as the 43rd Secretary of State of Michigan. She is known for her work in election law, civil rights, and her commitment to improving voter accessibility and election security.
2. What is Jocelyn Benson’s role as Michigan’s Secretary of State?
As Michigan’s Secretary of State, Benson is responsible for overseeing the state’s elections, managing voter registration, and ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the election process. She has also implemented reforms to modernize Michigan’s voting infrastructure.
3. What is Jocelyn Benson’s educational background?
Benson graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College, earned a Master of Philosophy from Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar, and received her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She has also held academic roles, including serving as the dean of Wayne State University Law School.
4. What is Jocelyn Benson’s net worth?
As of 2024, specific details about Jocelyn Benson’s net worth are not publicly disclosed. However, her career has been primarily focused on public service and legal education rather than personal financial pursuits.
5. What is the latest news about Jocelyn Benson?
In January 2025, Jocelyn Benson announced her candidacy for Governor of Michigan in the 2026 election. She plans to focus on improving education, lowering the cost of living, and continuing efforts to secure elections. Her move is seen as a significant step in her political career.
Prince Harry, a member of the British royal family, has been a prominent figure known for his philanthropic efforts and candid approach to discussing personal struggles. For a detailed look into his life, including his journey as a royal, his work with charitable organizations, and his transition to life in the United States alongside Meghan Markle, visit the comprehensive biography on Prince Harry.
Keir Starmer is the current Leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom and the Leader of the Opposition. Known for his background as a human rights lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecutions, Starmer has been a prominent figure in British politics. As Labour leader, he has focused on rebuilding the party and offering an alternative to the Conservative government’s policies, particularly on issues such as healthcare, the economy, and climate change. His leadership has been characterized by a more moderate stance, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the future of the Labour Party. For more information about Keir Starmer’s career and impact, visit Keir Starmer’s Biography.
