LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The articles of impeachment brought forth on Tuesday against Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have been a long time coming, according to the lawmaker spearheading the effort.

Benson’s “corrupt conduct” and “repeated abuse of power.”

Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) said Benson’s “corrupt conduct, constitutional violations, and a repeated abuse of power” and “her unlawful election directives [and] failure to preserve critical election records” brought about the impeachment articles.

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“We are dealing with the most lawless secretary of state in Michigan history,” DeSana told the media on Tuesday morning. “Not only has she flouted numerous Michigan laws, but Michigan courts have ruled against her in seven difference instances.” DeSana added, “Even Secretary Benson’s lawyer has stated, when questioned in open court, that the secretary will obey only the laws that she deems constitutional or that she agrees with.”

Rep DeSana also clapped back at Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the state Supreme Court, saying neither can be depended on to hold Benson accountable. “We’ve been dealing with this for four years now and this is a long time coming,” DeSana said, referring to Benson’s actions and her most recent refusal to comply with a subpoena from the Michigan House over election materials. “We as a legislative body are the only ones that can hold Secretary Benson accountable.”

Benson ties Republicans to “conspiracy theorists.”

Benson released a statement during the press conference, calling the articles of impeachment and the press conference “a clown show.” She said, “This is Republican lawmakers abusing their authority to access sensitive election information that would allow them – or any conspiracy theorists they share it with – to tamper with election equipment, interfere with the chain of custody of ballots, or impersonate a clerk on Election Day.”

In addition, Benson continued her call for a judicial mediator to work with her and the House on resolving months of conflict caused by her office. As previously reported by Michigan News Source, Benson ignored House Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests of election training materials. Then, Benson released incomplete and unnecessary documents in response to a House subpoena. House leadership now holds Benson in contempt.

Don’t forget: Benson is running for governor.

Benson is one of several Democrats running to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2026. Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits. Her foray into the gubernatorial race started off on the wrong foot after she announced her campaign in a state building and was found in violation of campaign law by Nessel.