Bypass The Tariffs: Jocelyn Benson Pledges Direct Canada Deals To Slash Michigan Living Costs

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for governor, outlined her campaign priorities in a Sunday television interview, focusing on household affordability and the economic fallout of international tariffs on the state.

Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan, Benson responded to a recent University of Michigan analysis indicating that 40% of the state’s population struggles to afford basic necessities.

“Affordability is the centerpiece of our campaign,” Benson said. “Our campaign is ultimately about driving down costs, growing our economy so that we can increase well-paying jobs in our state, protecting democracy and ending corruption.”

Benson pointed to her administrative record overseeing the Department of Motor Vehicles as evidence of her ability to manage state government effectively. “I know how to fix broken systems,” she said. “I’ve run our state agencies well.”

The discussion turned to trade tensions with Canada, Michigan’s primary export partner. With roughly 36% of the state’s exports heading to Canada, upcoming Canadian tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $20 billion worth of American steel, aluminum, dairy, and appliances are projected to impact the state economy.

Benson argued that existing tariffs have already placed a financial burden on local households. “These tariffs, particularly with Canada, have increased prices in Michigan more than any other state,” Benson stated. “The average Michigan family is paying $5,600 more. That’s a tax on our groceries. That’s a tax on our small businesses, on gas.”

To address the trade dispute, Benson proposed pursuing direct deals across the northern border.

“I announced this week my intention as governor to ensure we’re negotiating subnational agreements, partnering with other governors if necessary, to ensure we’re developing ways to, in spite of the federal government’s best efforts to drive up costs with these taxes and tariffs, negotiate subnational agreements that will drive down costs and protect the people of Michigan,” Benson said.

When Brennan questioned how state-level agreements could legally bypass federal trade policy, Benson explained that governors can negotiate directly with foreign regional leaders to ease supply chain disruptions.

“As governor, I can meet with officials in Canada and identify specific ways we can ensure trade between Michigan and Canada gets around these tariffs, reduces costs,” Benson said, highlighting the state’s automotive sector. “When it comes to our auto industry, we need a governor who’s going to stand up for our auto workers, who’s going to stand up for this critical industry in our state, and ensure that our partners to the north are working with us collectively to create jobs and drive down costs.”

During the interview, Benson also criticized her Republican opponent, Representative John James, referring to the economic impact as the “John James tax.” While Brennan noted that the competitor expressed interest in resolving trade disputes with the White House and pointed out that most tariffs stem from presidential executive orders, Benson cited a February congressional vote where she said her opponent supported the tariff measures.