Michigan State Rep. James DeSana to Introduce Articles of Impeachment Against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

Move follows contempt vote over Benson’s refusal to release full election training materials; DeSana alleges repeated legal violations and erosion of public trust.

LANSING, Mich. — On Tuesday, State Representative James DeSana (R-Carleton) announced plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

DeSana's move follows a recent vote in the Michigan House to hold Secretary Benson in civil contempt for allegedly refusing to comply with a legislative subpoena. The subpoena, issued by the House Oversight Committee, sought the full release of election training materials provided to local clerks across the state. While Benson's office released a portion of the materials, key information was reportedly withheld, leading to the contempt vote.

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"Our Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, has been found in violation of the law by the courts seven separate times, and she has lost the trust of the people," DeSana stated. "We as Representatives of the people have the responsibility to hold her accountable."

The articles of impeachment are expected to allege constitutional violations, corruption, and abuse of power related to Benson's handling of elections. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and the Democratic Secretary of State over election administration and transparency.

Articles of impeachment against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are an uphill battle due to the following reasons:

1. Democratic Control of the Legislature

• Michigan’s House and Senate are currently controlled by Democrats (as of 2025). Impeachment requires majority votes in both chambers: first to impeach (House), then to convict and remove (Senate).

• It is highly improbable that Democrats will vote to remove a fellow Democrat from office based on Republican-led charges.

2. High Bar for Impeachment

• Impeachment in Michigan is typically reserved for serious criminal misconduct or gross abuse of office. Political or policy disagreements, even if they involve court rulings, often don't meet that threshold.

• Courts previously ruling against Benson on election issues were largely over administrative decisions—not criminal wrongdoing.

I have reached out to Benson’s office for a statement. If and when I get one I will update this article.