Transcript: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Sept. 6, 2026

Michigan Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson put affordability at the center of her campaign during an interview on “Face the Nation.” She said residents were making painful choices as basic costs rose, including mothers deciding between food and childcare and seniors on fixed incomes struggling to pay for medicine.

Benson said her campaign focused on driving down costs, growing the economy, creating well-paying jobs, protecting democracy and ending corruption. She also pointed to her record as Michigan secretary of state, saying she had improved state agencies, strengthened democracy and changed the Department of Motor Vehicles in ways that saved residents time and money.

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Affordability is the centerpiece of our campaign.

The interview then turned to trade with Canada. Brennan noted that 36% of Michigan’s exports go north to Canada and that Canadian tariffs on steel, aluminum, U.S.-made dairy products and appliances were due to take effect as part of the dispute. The tariffs would range from 15% to 50% and cover $20 billion in American-made goods.

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The average Michigan family is paying $5,600 more.

Benson said Michigan had already felt the effects. She argued that tariffs introduced since Donald Trump took office had increased prices in Michigan more than in any other state, with the average Michigan family paying $5,600 more. She described the costs as a tax on groceries, small businesses and gasoline.

Benson also attacked her opponent for supporting the tariffs, calling that position “cowardice” rather than leadership. She said Michigan needed a governor willing to lower costs and stand up to the president, and said she had announced an intention to negotiate with Canada at the subnational level if elected. The transcript ends during that explanation.

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That is cowardice, and that is not leadership.