Former U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper, who won the city of Detroit in the August 2024 Democratic primary, is stepping back into the political arena to endorse Jocelyn Benson for Michigan governor.
“As a proud Detroit business owner and someone who believes deeply in the power of public service, I am all in to support my friend Jocelyn Benson for Governor of Michigan,” said Hill Harper. “Jocelyn has spent her life fighting for justice—whether it was investigating hate groups with the Southern Poverty Law Center, leading Detroit’s Wayne State Law School with vision and integrity, or the city’s votes when our voices were under attack. She’s fearless. She’s effective. And she’s the best choice to lead Michigan forward.”
Harper said Benson fixed a broken system, ending all-day waits at Secretary of State branches.
“That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need to strengthen our schools, grow small businesses, and create jobs and real opportunity across Michigan. Jocelyn shows up. She delivers. And she leads with both courage and compassion,” Harper said.
Harper, a former actor and business owner, won the support of Detroiters in last year’s U.S. Senate race, defeating Sen. Elissa Slotkin in the city of Detroit by 13,526 votes. Slotkin ultimately won the Wayne County vote overall, 60% to 39% and won the primary decisively.
Slotkin took 80% of the vote before defeating former Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have Hill Harper in this race with me,” Benson said in a statement. “His endorsement reflects our shared commitment to the neighborhoods we call home, to strengthening public education, and to building a future where Detroit and all of Michigan are the best places to be a kid, raise a kid, and call home. Hill has spent years fighting for equity, justice, and opportunity, and I’m proud to stand alongside him. Together, we will keep working to uplift every community in Michigan, invest in our schools, and protect the rights and voices of every Michigander, so we can all thrive.”
Harper is the latest local endorsement for Benson, who has lived in Detroit for nearly two decades. State Rep. Tonya Myers Philipps and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Benson received more endorsements from leaders across the state on Friday, coming off a two week statewide tour where she spoke to residents about her plans if elected governor.
Endorsements include State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing; Ann Arbor mayor Chris Taylor; Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan; Pleasant Ridge; Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald; Cadillac Mayor Tiyi Schippers; Barrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford; St. Joseph City Councilor Michael Fernandez; Westland City Council president Mike McDermott; Westland City Councilor Melissa Sampey; Warren City Council president Angela Rogensues; and former Macomb County Prosecutor Carl Marlinga.
Two other Detroiters are vying to become Michigan’s next governor: Mayor Mike Duggan and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.
Duggan, who is running as an independent, has been endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber, a number of workers unions and more than 150 Black faith leaders.
Gilchrist has been endorsed by Southeast Michigan state lawmakers, including state Reps. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia; Amos O’Neal, D-Saginaw; Mai Xiong, D-Warren; Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit; Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac, Morgan Foreman, D-Ann Arbor, Cynthia Neeley, D-Flint among several others.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly named Tom Barrett as Elissa Slotkin’s Senate challenger. Slotkin defeated Barrett in a past race for the U.S. House.
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