LANSING, Mich. — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is facing increasing scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, who this week introduced articles of impeachment and filed a lawsuit over her handling of a legislative subpoena.
On Tuesday, Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) introduced House Resolution 118, which includes three articles of impeachment against Michigan’s top election official. The resolution alleges Benson violated state and federal election laws, abused her authority, and disregarded multiple court rulings.
“We need to hold our Secretary of State accountable,” DeSana said. “You’ve broken the law, your oath of office, and the U.S. Constitution. These articles reflect those violations.”
Among the charges, lawmakers cite a campaign finance violation identified by the Attorney General, after Benson announced her candidacy for governor from within a state government building. The resolution also outlines alleged overreach in issuing election guidance and accuses Benson of mishandling voter records and intimidating local officials.
A day later, Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) filed a lawsuit against Benson in the Michigan Court of Claims, claiming she failed to comply with a subpoena issued in April. The subpoena requested election training materials, which DeBoyer says are necessary for legislative oversight.
“Our commitment to bring accountability to Lansing is not just lip service,” DeBoyer said. “After going years without legislative oversight, Benson has clearly grown comfortable operating independent of the other, co-equal branches of government. For months, we have tried to get her cooperation through requests, then accommodating offers, and then legal demands. Her continued defiance now brings us to the courtroom, where we will continue to diligently work to deliver government transparency for the people of Michigan.”
The Department of State has released multiple statements in response, defending Benson’s actions and calling the accusations politically motivated. Benson says her office is protecting election security and that releasing certain materials could pose a threat.
“I remain committed to the security of our elections and to the people of Michigan. I work for them. I suggest House Republicans start doing the same,” Benson said in a statement, calling the actions a waste of taxpayer dollars and accusing GOP leadership of turning the legislature into a “clown show.”
“Since the beginning of this saga, Secretary Benson has asked lawmakers to let a court review their request for sensitive election information that, in the wrong hands, would compromise the security of our election machines, ballots, and officials,” said MDOS spokesperson Cheri Hardmon. “The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee is demanding information that could be used to interrupt the chain of custody of ballots, tamper with election equipment, or impersonate a clerk on Election Day. While we are committed to transparency, we will never compromise our duty to ensure Michigan’s elections are safe and secure. We look forward to working with a judge to come to a resolution that will resolve this dispute.”
While House Republicans are pursuing the resolution, the effort is unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where a two-thirds vote in both chambers is required for impeachment.
More on this developing story tonight on WZMQ 19 News at 11/10c.