Governor Candidate Jocelyn Benson Distances Herself from Controversial SPLC Ties
Michigan gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson has stopped mentioning her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center amid the group's federal indictment.
Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for Michigan governor and former Secretary of State, is under scrutiny for her historic involvement with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). After graduating college, she worked as a volunteer researcher and undercover investigator for the SPLC, later serving on its board beginning in 2014, the same year a federal indictment claims the group funneled $3 million to extremist entities.
The indictment also led to the arrest of former SPLC chief financial officer Heidi Beirich on multiple fraud and money-laundering charges. Benson initially lauded the SPLC as a "great organization" and highlighted her Alabama experience, but recent campaign messaging omits the SPLC name, offering only vague references to her early career in the deep South. Michigan House Republicans have launched an inquiry, releasing years of her email correspondence and demanding answers.
Benson has refused to comment when asked if she was aware of the alleged financial scheme. The issue surfaces as she holds a poll lead over Republican John James ahead of the November gubernatorial election.
Why it matters
Voters need to know if a candidate's past affiliations could affect her judgment and integrity in office.
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