Ann Arbor Times

State Representative Jason Woolford has publicly criticized Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for not enforcing laws she allegedly violated. This criticism follows a letter from Attorney General Dana Nessel, which stated that Benson breached Michigan's campaign finance laws by holding a press conference in the lobby of her state office building to announce her gubernatorial candidacy. The letter categorized this as misuse of taxpayer-funded resources for campaign purposes.

Woolford commented on the situation, stating, “The fact that even one of Michigan’s highest-ranking Democrats had to acknowledge that her party’s leading gubernatorial candidate broke the law shows just how egregious Benson’s actions are.” He further described the incident as "a damning indictment of the lawlessness Benson has engaged in throughout her time in office."

Although Nessel found Benson in violation, she will not pursue criminal penalties. She explained that prosecution under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act must be initiated by the Secretary of State herself. Woolford expressed concern over this decision, noting that Nessel is pursuing other prosecutions against Republican officials and consultants.

Woolford also remarked, “Our state’s highest executive offices should be above selective, political persecution, but this incident shows that this is not the case.” He urged citizens to be alarmed by what he perceives as a double standard from Michigan's top law enforcement official.