Detroit City Council member Gabriela Santiago Romero announced Wednesday in a press statement she’s backing Democratic candidate for governor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The Southwest Detroit council member becomes the first sitting city of Detroit elected official to endorse a candidate for governor.
“Folks in Southwest Detroit are looking for a leader who is focused on raising wages, lowering costs, and protecting their rights and freedoms – Jocelyn Benson is that leader,” Santiago Romero said.
Santiago Romero represents Detroit’s District 6, which covers Southwest Detroit, a community facing a number of issues, from truck traffic, environmental pollution and immigration raids. The area is home to the state’s largest population of undocumented immigrants.
Her endorsement adds another name to the list of progressive Democrats backing Benson’s campaign. State Reps. Tonya Meyers Phillips, Emily Dievendorf and Dylan Wegela endorsed Benson last year.
“At a time when Detroiters are facing crushing bills, property taxes are pushing families out of homes they’ve lived in for generations, and we’re facing dangerous threats to our community from the President of the United States, we need a governor who knows how to deliver. As Secretary of State, she delivered on her promises and saved Detroiters time and money at her office, and I know she’ll do the same as governor with her bold affordability plan to lower costs for families.”
The Democratic front runner for governor in a race with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson says she’s the only candidate to release an affordability plan.
Benson said in an interview earlier this month, “Michigan is too expensive, and it’s clear everywhere I go, whether it’s healthcare premiums, or housing or electricity bills, food, water, childcare — everyone’s feeling the pinch.”
Santiago Romero is the first sitting Detroit city council member to endorse a candidate for governor. Things will get interesting among some council members who for years worked under former Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for governor as an independent.
All of Detroit’s council members are Democrats.
Santiago Romero joins the list of Detroit leaders supporting Benson, including: Former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Rev. Horace Sheffield, Mothering Justice Founder Danielle Atkinson, Detroit actor and former Senate candidate Hill Harper, and former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins.
“I’m grateful to have Councilwoman Romero’s support as we build the coalition we need to win and move Michigan forward,” said Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. “I’m running for governor to raise wages, lower costs, and make sure government works for the people. Southwest Detroit needs a leader focused on making sure everyone can prosper, and I won’t hesitate to take on anyone — no matter how powerful — who threatens their safety, their rights, or their well-being. Together, we can make Michigan the best place to thrive.”
