LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s House Election Integrity Committee is looking to take up legislation that would remove any conflict of interest from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson overseeing her own election.

Benson, a Democrat, is running for governor. The Whitmer administration recently tried to assure Michiganders that “states run elections” and that this year’s primary and general elections would be “safe, efficient, fair, and secure.” However, many Michiganders need more reassurance than a simple joint press release can offer.

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That’s why Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) wants to move forward with House Bill 5968. Her office told Michigan News Source that “[Benson] recently announced her intention to recuse herself from these duties, and there is legislation in the House Election Integrity Committee that would put that intention into law.”

Smit knows a thing or two about Benson and her follow-through. Despite repeated requests from the Michigan House for Benson to turn over election training materials, Smit said that still hasn’t happened. Smit’s office said, “This, coupled with the knowledge that the SOS will be overseeing her own election, has led Rep. Smit to feel that the SOS should recuse herself from election-related responsibilities.”

Smit isn’t the only one concerned about Benson being in charge of her own election. State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) referred to Benson’s past actions as a “troubling pattern.” In fact, her newly proposed set of election rules could expand her oversight beyond what is allowed by law. That’s why there is a public hearing regarding these potential changes on May 22.

“Secretary Benson has repeatedly tried to push beyond the authority granted under Michigan election law, and the courts have had to step in time and time again,” Bollin said. “That history makes it even more important for the public to closely scrutinize her latest proposal.”

In addition, Smit joined other Michigan House and Senate Republicans and sent a formal request the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee Michigan’s 2026 primary and general elections. Smit’s office added, “It is going to take the federal and state governments working together to accomplish real integrity in Michigan.”

Michigan’s primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 4.