Rep. John James criticized Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson during a recent interview, accusing her of mismanaging election-related matters and arguing that his background in military service, business and Congress makes him better suited to serve as Michigan’s next governor.
Appearing with Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany, James responded after McEnany suggested Benson was attempting to claim credit for election integrity efforts.
“Election integrity, but she’s trying to take some credit here.”
James rejected that characterization and accused Benson of overseeing election-related controversies during her tenure as secretary of state.
“Exactly the opposite. You’re exactly right, Kayleigh.”
He continued by criticizing Benson’s dual role as secretary of state while seeking higher office.
“This is the exact same woman who’s presiding over her own election for governor.”
James also referenced litigation involving Benson’s office.
“The same woman who’s lost five lawsuits due to her malfeasance in elections, not the least of which was putting her thumb on the scale in 2020 in the state of Michigan.”
He further alleged that coordination between state and local officials had been inadequate regarding election administration.
“She is actually not coordinating with feds and not coordinating with local county officials.”
James then turned to concerns involving jury duty rolls and voting records.
“But the fact they’ve let hundreds of illegals on our jury duty rolls, and there are over a dozen that we found who voted in our elections.”
According to James, those issues warrant additional explanation from Benson.
“Jocelyn Benson has a lot of explaining to do.”
He also questioned Benson about what he described as her past involvement with the Southern Poverty Law Center.
“Again, also what her role was on the SPLC board when they gave money to the KKK.”
James summarized his criticisms by arguing that Benson lacks the qualifications needed to lead Michigan.
“She is the least transparent, least cooperative, and least qualified human being to possibly be governor of the state of Michigan.”
He then contrasted Benson’s record with his own experience.
“Which is why I’m excited to bring my experience as a combat veteran fighting after 9/11 in Iraq.”
James also highlighted his business background.
“A business leader who’s created jobs in Detroit.”
He concluded by pointing to his current role in Congress and his work with the Trump administration.
“And someone who’s in Congress working with the president to actually bring resources back to the state of Michigan to make Michigan great again.”
McEnany closed the interview by thanking James for joining the program.
“Congressman John James, we are watching.”
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Throughout the interview, James argued that Michigan voters should compare his military service, private-sector experience and congressional record with Benson’s tenure as secretary of state.
He maintained that his focus would be on working with the federal government to secure additional resources for Michigan while promoting economic growth and improving state government.
James also reiterated his concerns about election administration under Benson’s leadership, saying voters deserve answers regarding the issues he raised as Michigan prepares for the next gubernatorial election.
