Benson chooses Brinks as running mate, citing leadership and legislative wins 

Calling Brinks a “tireless advocate” for West Michigan and the whole state, Benson told reporters after the event that her decision was “about competent, results-oriented leadership, ensuring that the east side of the state and the west side of the state are represented effectively in Lansing.”

Brinks spotlighted her work as the Democratic leader of the Senate, especially during the Democratic trifecta in 2023 and 2024, telling reporters after the event that she thinks her already-strong relationships with legislators will help move her agenda forward in the legislature.

“I helped deliver historic change, cutting taxes for working families and seniors, guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch for every public school student, protecting reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights, strengthening gun safety laws, restoring workers’ rights, and investing in clean energy,” she said. “I’m here to tell you that I’m not done yet.”

She also drew stark distinctions between herself and Benson and Republican gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township). 

“Before we can make government work for everyone, we need to beat John James. The choice could not be more stark,” she said. “John James has made it clear that he is not fighting for the people of Michigan. He’s fighting for Donald Trump. That’s not leadership, and it’s not what Michigan needs.”

Benson and Brinks will face an all-male Republican ticket led by James and his running mate, state Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay). Republican pundits said after DeBoyer was announced as the lieutenant governor choice that they did not believe the lack of gender diversity on the ticket would harm its electoral prospects. Benson, however, highlighted in her speech the prospect of two women leading the Democratic ticket. Benson and Brinks would be the first all-female governor and lieutenant governor pair if elected.

“I think that we’ve got the best ticket, regardless of whether we’re men or women on the Democratic side,” Brinks said. “It matters to me as a woman. I like to see representation in the highest offices of our land and in our state, so we’ve seen the work that women have done in the top jobs in our state for the last eight years.”

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EMILYs List president Jessica Mackler also emphasized the importance of having women leading the ticket.

“Women have long been at the forefront of delivering Democratic wins and progress in Michigan. Jocelyn Benson and Winnie Brinks each have deep, proven records of standing up to powerful interests, fighting for justice, and enacting real change for Michigan families throughout their time in office,” Mackler said in a press release. “The stakes in Michigan could not be higher, and Jocelyn and Winnie are exactly the battle-tested leaders Michigan needs to protect the Governor’s office and build Democratic power up and down the ballot.”

Brinks is also the only one of the four governor and lieutenant governor candidates not from the metro Detroit area. 

Benson’s selection of Brinks was also celebrated by Democratic leaders and organizations around the state, including Lisa Wozniak, president and CEO of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters who said Brinks has a “long, proven track record of advancing policies that protect Michigan’s water and the health of our communities.”

“Winnie has been on the frontlines fighting for Michigan’s working class, including her unwavering support in the effort to repeal so-called Right-to-Work and leading the charge on the nine stalled bills,” said Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “We know we have a partner in Winnie Brinks who will work to protect collective bargaining, bring down sky-high prices and push for legislation that puts workers first – not billionaires.”

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also focused on Brinks’ tenure in Senate leadership, writing in a statement that she has “worked tirelessly to make life better for Michiganders across the state — whether it’s cutting $1 billion in taxes for working people, expanding access to healthcare, protecting reproductive freedom, restoring workers’ rights, or investing in our public schools.”