Michigan State University poll shows Benson leads James 53% to 41%

John James: John James is the Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan, running on a platform emphasizing economic growth and education improvements. He has been actively campaigning alongside other GOP candidates in the final weeks before Election Day. The MSU poll shows him trailing Democrat Jocelyn Benson by a substantial margin. Mike Rogers: Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, a former U.S. Representative with strong backing from President Trump. His campaign has focused on countering Democratic policies on jobs and public safety while engaging in extensive voter outreach. Recent MSU polling places him in a close race against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Abdul El-Sayed: Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, a progressive candidate and former public health director who won a competitive primary. He has emphasized issues like healthcare access and economic fairness in his campaign against Republican Mike Rogers. Recent polling from MSU shows him holding a narrow lead in a tight contest. Jocelyn Benson: Jocelyn Benson is the Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan in the 2026 election, seeking to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. As a longtime public official and former Secretary of State, she has focused on election integrity and progressive state policies. The latest MSU poll positions her with a clear advantage over Republican John James in the race. Dr. Matt Grossmann: Dr. Matt Grossmann serves as Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University and is a professor of political science specializing in American politics and policy. He oversees the long-running State of the State Survey and frequently provides analysis on Michigan electoral dynamics. In comments on the latest poll, he noted growing differences in voter support between the state's top races. Michigan State University: Michigan State University is a major public research institution whose Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) regularly conducts the nonpartisan State of the State Survey on Michigan voter attitudes. IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann highlighted splits in support between the governor and Senate races in the October 2026 release. The survey provides timely insights into voter sentiment ahead of the November election. Polling Trends: Multiple recent surveys confirm Democratic leads in Michigan's governor and Senate contests heading into the final stretch of the 2026 campaign. Voter Sentiment: Attitudes toward Muslim candidates and presidential performance are emerging as notable factors shaping preferences in the state's Senate race. Campaign Dynamics: Republican candidates have intensified ground efforts and received high-profile support from President Trump in battleground areas of Michigan.