At Dennco Holding Company, we believe Michigan's future will be shaped by advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, defense technology, and infrastructure investment—not by partisan politics.
As the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race continues to develop, two candidates have emerged as the most recognizable figures in their respective parties: Congressman John James on the Republican side and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on the Democratic side.
Our assessment is based on the current political landscape and the visibility each candidate has built within their respective parties. Both have established statewide name recognition, significant political organizations, and positions that have made them leading contenders for their party's nomination.
While elections are ultimately decided by voters, we believe these two candidates are well positioned to compete for Michigan's highest office. More importantly, we believe either administration would have strong incentives to continue pursuing major economic development opportunities that strengthen Michigan's economy.
John James Enters the Race With Significant Momentum
Congressman John James begins his campaign with several notable advantages. He has built a statewide political profile through multiple statewide campaigns, has experience serving in Congress, and has received President Donald J. Trump's endorsement.
That endorsement is particularly meaningful within today's Republican Party. It provides credibility with Republican primary voters while reinforcing James' message of rebuilding American manufacturing, strengthening domestic industry, expanding infrastructure, and encouraging private-sector investment.
Michigan has become one of the nation's most competitive states for advanced manufacturing, defense, mobility, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. James has consistently emphasized economic growth, job creation, and strengthening American competitiveness.
Those priorities closely align with the industries Dennco Holding Company believes will define Michigan's future.
Jocelyn Benson Represents Continuity in Economic Development
Although Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson comes from a different political party, we believe she would inherit many of the economic realities that shaped Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration.
Governor Whitmer's administration has overseen the attraction of significant private investment into Michigan, including advanced manufacturing facilities and other large-scale economic development projects. Those investments have reinforced Michigan's position as a competitive destination for next-generation industries.
While Benson would almost certainly bring her own priorities and governing style, we believe any future governor will recognize that Michigan cannot afford to step away from competing for billions of dollars in private investment.
Economic development has become larger than party politics.
The competition is global.
States are competing for artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, defense technology, battery production, and advanced research facilities. Those investments create thousands of high-paying jobs while strengthening local tax bases and supporting long-term economic growth.
Regardless of party affiliation, the next governor will face pressure to keep Michigan competitive.
Why We Believe These Candidates Stand Out
Our opinion is based on the current political environment rather than certainty about the election's outcome.
Both John James and Jocelyn Benson have emerged as highly visible candidates within their respective parties. They benefit from broad name recognition, established fundraising networks, and significant campaign infrastructure that often distinguish leading contenders during statewide races.
Political campaigns can change rapidly, and no election result is guaranteed. New candidates may emerge, public opinion can shift, and voters always have the final say.
Nevertheless, based on today's landscape, we believe these candidates have positioned themselves strongly within their respective primaries.
Michigan's Economic Direction Matters More Than Party Labels
At Dennco Holding Company, our primary interest is Michigan's long-term economic success.
Businesses need certainty.
Investors need confidence.
Communities need opportunity.
The state cannot afford to lose ground in the race for advanced technology investment because those decisions are being made today. Companies deciding where to build artificial intelligence campuses, semiconductor facilities, cloud infrastructure, defense manufacturing plants, and advanced research centers are evaluating states right now.
Those investments rarely return once they choose another location.
Michigan must remain competitive.
Working With Washington
Another reason for optimism is that Michigan has demonstrated it can attract investment under different political leadership.
If John James were elected governor, his relationship with President Trump could create opportunities for closer cooperation on manufacturing, infrastructure, defense, and emerging technology initiatives where federal participation plays a role.
If Jocelyn Benson were elected, we believe she would likely face many of the same economic realities that confronted Governor Whitmer. Regardless of differences in policy priorities, every governor must compete for investment, support employers, and strengthen Michigan's economy.
In our view, whichever candidate becomes governor will have practical incentives to work constructively with federal officials where doing so benefits Michigan residents and businesses.
Looking Beyond Politics
The next governor will inherit tremendous opportunities.
Artificial intelligence.
Advanced manufacturing.
Defense technology.
Cloud computing.
Robotics.
Quantum computing.
Semiconductor production.
Modern energy infrastructure.
These industries represent billions of dollars in investment and thousands of careers for Michigan workers.
At Dennco Holding Company, we believe success should be measured not by political victories but by whether Michigan continues attracting world-class employers, supporting innovation, and creating an environment where businesses choose to invest.
That is why we are optimistic about Michigan's future. While the candidates differ in philosophy and policy, we believe both John James and Jocelyn Benson understand that economic growth, technological innovation, and job creation will remain central challenges for the next governor.
Ultimately, Michigan's greatest opportunity lies in maintaining a bipartisan commitment to economic competitiveness. Regardless of who wins the election, we hope the next administration continues building an environment where innovation thrives, investment is welcomed, and Michigan remains one of America's leading destinations for the industries that will shape the future.
A Record of Working Across Party Lines
Dennco Holding Company has long maintained that Michigan's economic future depends on leadership willing to put growth ahead of partisanship. That philosophy is reflected in the actions of our CEO, Dustin Bayn, who has publicly expressed support for both Congressman John James and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at different times.
That support has never been about party affiliation. Rather, it has been rooted in a belief that leaders should be evaluated on their willingness to strengthen Michigan's economy, attract investment, modernize infrastructure, and prepare the state for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, cloud computing, and defense technology.
Likewise, our CEO has recognized Governor Gretchen Whitmer's efforts to attract major private investment and advanced manufacturing projects to Michigan, even while disagreeing with aspects of her administration's policy agenda. We believe acknowledging successful economic initiatives, regardless of which party advances them, is essential to maintaining a constructive public dialogue.
Our position remains consistent: Michigan succeeds when elected officials are willing to work across political lines to create jobs, compete for transformative investment, and strengthen the state's long-term economic future. We believe that principle should guide every administration, regardless of party.