Andy Beshear Podcast – Michigan’s Gubernatorial Primary: Garlin Gilchrist, Jocelyn Benson, and Chris Swanson

Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

Andy Beshear hosts a special episode introducing listeners to the three major Democratic candidates in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial primary: Garlin Gilchrist (Lieutenant Governor), Jocelyn Benson (Secretary of State), and Chris Swanson (Genesee County Sheriff). In unscripted, wide-ranging conversations, Beshear explores each candidate’s background, accomplishments, vision for Michigan, and personal motivations—providing both Michigan residents and outsiders with substance on what’s at stake in this pivotal race.

Contents

• Garlin Gilchrist: Data-Driven Problem Solver
• Jocelyn Benson: Defending Democracy & Delivering Services
• Chris Swanson: Transformational Leadership in Public Safety
• Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Garlin Gilchrist: Data-Driven Problem Solver

Background & Approach

• [00:36] Gilchrist, Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor and software engineer by training, emphasizes a “people-first, data-driven” approach.
• He is the first computer engineer/software developer to hold statewide office in the U.S., shaping his orientation toward problem-solving, systems thinking, and technology’s impact.

On AI & Technology

• [05:16] Plans to ensure that “the technology companies do not get to dictate the terms of the lives of Michiganders.”
• Views AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement—referencing Steve Jobs (“bicycles for the mind”).
• Pledges to “stand up for people first” and protect Michigan workers from adverse impacts of automation.

Major Achievements as Lt. Governor

• [06:52] Affordable Housing: Led the largest historic investment in Michigan’s Housing Trust Fund ($250M), resulting in 40,000+ new homes in two years.
  • Memorable story of a mother needing affordable housing for her adult daughter (07:19).
• Childcare: Launched “Caring for My Future,” exceeding goals by opening 1,300 childcare facilities in 13 months.
• Broadband Access: Connected hundreds of thousands to high-speed internet, improving equity of opportunity.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Created nation’s “most progressive, expansive and inclusive automatic criminal record clearance program,” clearing 4 million offenses and helping ~400,000 people reenter civic and economic life (09:21).

Vision as Governor

• [10:29] Wants a Michigan “where everyone knows they can afford to stay here and succeed.”
  • Universal Childcare: To make Michigan the 2nd state guaranteeing universal childcare.
  • Fully Funded Public Schools: Pledges to finally fully fund public education in Michigan history.
  • Debt-Free College: Ensures anyone can attend college without incurring debt.
  • Affordable Housing Expansion: Invest in renovation and new builds statewide.

Personal ‘Why’

• [13:12] Moved away from Michigan in 2005 to work at Microsoft but returned out of commitment to his community. Wants a Michigan where “no one has to leave to chase opportunity.”

Getting Involved & Personal Side

• [16:31] Social: TikTok (@GarlandGilchristMI), Instagram (@Garlandi)
• [16:59] Secret Superpower: “Expert story reader” with many voices for his kids’ bedtime stories.

Jocelyn Benson: Defending Democracy & Delivering Services

Background & Approach

• [17:35] Michigan Secretary of State, former law professor and law school dean; lauded for expanding ballot access and standing firm on election integrity.
• Known for “cross-partisan coalition-building”—winning statewide by 14 points in 2022, including GOP-leaning counties.

Election Integrity & Personal Courage

• [19:56] Overhauled DMV to improve trust, which “enabled us to also transform democracy.”
• Highlighted highest voter turnout in state history (2018, 2020).
• Faced direct threats during the 2020 presidential aftermath, including armed protesters outside her home. Her takeaway: “As leaders, we must stand firm with truth, law, and justice, and march forward anyway” (20:59).

Vision as Governor

• [23:12] “Costs down, jobs and prosperity on the rise”—“a place where any of us, including our kids, would want to call home.”
  • Personal motivation: As a mom, wants her son to choose Michigan as home in the future.
  • Government should “show up for folks, save them time, save them money, and make their lives easier.”
  • Cites track record of efficiency and accountability at the DMV as a model.

Health Care

• [25:06] Calls ensuring “quality health care is accessible, affordable and fair for everyone” job number one for the next governor.
• Will modernize state’s health agencies, create a Healthcare Affordability Board, and enforce a Patient’s Bill of Rights to “cap skyrocketing prescription costs” and guarantee transparent, doctor-patient driven care.

What Sets Her Apart

• [26:33] Only candidate who's managed a major state agency, “stood up to bullies in the White House,” and consistently built bipartisan coalitions to win in a purple state.
• Describes her leadership style as “collaborative and transparent,” with accountability as a cornerstone.

Michigan’s Potential

• [28:11] Sees Michigan as having “all the tools and resources” to “be a driving economic force for the Midwest.” Cites abundant water, universities, and a strong workforce.

Personal ‘Why’

• [31:10] “The eyes of those kids who will inherit what we leave behind are on us now…It’s on us to make that future happen for them.”

Getting Involved & Personal Side

• [34:05] Website: JocelynBenson.com
• [33:00] Secret Superpower: “Resilience” drawn from being an avid marathon runner (including while eight months pregnant).
• [33:57] Enjoys Beshear’s Thanksgiving turkey skills.

Chris Swanson: Transformational Leadership in Public Safety

Background & Philosophy

• [34:37] Genesee County Sheriff, noted for reform-minded leadership, abolition of business-as-usual incarceration models, and “community-based public safety.”

On Public Safety & Criminal Justice

• [36:14] Launched “IGNITE” program: instead of solely incarcerating, focus on “education, mindset, and culture change.”
  • Offers inmates GEDs, diplomas, and trade certificates with direct employment pipelines.
  • [37:14] Lowering recidivism (Brown, Harvard, Michigan study: 20% drop). States this could mean $800–900M in prison savings, which could be redirected to address homelessness, addiction, and other social needs.

Leadership in Crisis

• [38:13] May 30, 2020 (George Floyd protests): Swanson walked with protesters, “neutralizing” potential violence and showing compassion and unity in action. “Set a tone—you can do it with the heart.”

Vision as Governor

• [40:04] Reduce cost of living for working-class Michiganders (e.g., lowering licensing fees, reducing gas taxes, waiving state income tax for those making <$30k).
• Focused on direct relief: “If a governor is able to save $300 to $500/month for each individual, think about what that can translate to…”

Personal Connections

• [41:06] Son volunteered in Hindman, KY post-flooding; Swanson himself completed Ironman races (Louisville).
• [43:48] Motivated by problem-solving for others (“bring order out of chaos”); runs with high energy and a focus on common sense/grounded leadership.

Building a Diverse Team

• [45:05] Emphasizes putting the “right people in the right spots” and building a coalition for results—“common sense and common ground.”

Getting Involved & Personal Side

• [47:10] Website: SwansonfromMichigan.com; active on social media.
• [46:41] Secret Superpower: Energy—“I can bring calmness into people’s lives and I can bring energy to people that feel like they have nothing.”
• [48:00] Family: Met his wife (a social worker) “in jail”—married 31 years; two sons (one in dental school, one just married).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Garlin Gilchrist

• “We need people in public service who the big tech companies can’t bully and can’t lie to.” (04:03)
• “I want a Michigan where everyone knows they can afford to stay here and succeed.” (10:29)
• “People from Detroit change the world, which means people come to Detroit to change the world.” (15:05)
• Secret Superpower: “I am an expert story reader… The kids love the stories. I got voices. Whatever the story calls for.” (16:59)

Jocelyn Benson

• “When people believe in government as a tool that can make their lives better, they’re more likely to participate in it.” (19:56)
• “When armed protesters showed up at my home… what I learned… was the need to have the courage, the moral courage, to stand up to anyone and protect the people and their voice.” (20:59)
• “We have all the tools and resources we need here in this state to be a driving economic force for the Midwest.” (28:11)
• Secret Superpower: “I ran the Boston Marathon eight months pregnant. … Every hill that we run, you use it to make those muscles stronger for next time.” (33:00)

Chris Swanson

• “Instead of incarcerating, let’s educate. That’s what social justice looks like.” (36:14)
• “Prepare in peace to perform in chaos.” (43:48)
• Secret Superpower: “I can bring calmness into people’s lives and I can bring energy to people that feel like they have nothing.” (46:41)
• Family Story: “I met my wife in jail. … She was a social worker.” (48:00)

Fun & Relatable Moments

• Beshear’s rivalry with Gilchrist about Michigan universities: “You had me until the best university in Michigan. Just remember, trying to tell the truth.” (12:36)
• Swanson reminiscing about Ironman Louisville and volunteering in Kentucky, connecting with Beshear’s own state pride.
• Running theme of “secret superpowers,” adding warmth and humor.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Garlin Gilchrist introduction & background | 03:46–04:03 | | Gilchrist on AI, tech, and economy | 05:16–06:35 | | Gilchrist’s work as Lt. Governor (housing, childcare…) | 06:52–10:16 | | Gilchrist’s vision and personal ‘why’ | 10:29–14:55 | | Jocelyn Benson introduction & election integrity | 17:35–19:56 | | Benson on running state services/elections | 19:56–21:44 | | Benson’s vision as governor | 23:12–24:35 | | Benson on health care | 25:06–26:16 | | Benson on leading a diverse state & her ‘why’ | 26:33–32:25 | | Chris Swanson introduction & approach to public safety | 34:37–36:07 | | Swanson on jail reform & community trust | 36:14–38:58 | | Swanson’s economic vision & personal connections | 40:04–43:48 | | Swanson on team building, superpower, and family | 45:05–48:28 |

Summary & Takeaway

This episode offers deep insight into the backgrounds, governing philosophies, and motivations of Michigan’s three leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Each brings a unique lens—Gilchrist’s tech-savvy systemic approach, Benson’s battles for democracy and efficiency, Swanson’s lived reform and high-octane energy. The episode deftly blends policy with personal stories, providing listeners with the substance necessary to understand and engage with this critical primary—one poised to influence not just Michigan, but the national stage in 2026 and beyond.