Articles of Impeachment Filed against SOS Benson. Referred to Committee
- Jun 4
- 6 min read
Confrontation between House and SOS taken to new level
By Kristine Christlieb, MFEI News & Commentary Editor
June 4, 2025
Michigan’s GOP-led House is taking the first steps toward impeaching Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for corrupt conduct in the administration of her office.
On Tuesday, Michigan state Rep. James DeSana (R-29th District) held a press conference announcing the intention to introduce House Resolution 118, articles of impeachment, against Benson.
In his remarks to the press, DeSana said, “As a legislator and lifelong resident of the state of Michigan, it is my belief that we are dealing with the most lawless secretary of state in Michigan history.” DeSana then explained, “Not only has [Benson] flaunted numerous Michigan laws, Michigan courts have ruled against her in seven different instances.”
Later Tuesday afternoon, the resolution was officially filed during the House session and referred to the House Committee on Government Operations, chaired by Rep. Brian BeGole (R-71st District).
Joining DeSana in offering the resolution were Rep. Josh Schriver (R-66th District), Rep. Greg Markkanen (R- 110th District), Rep. Jaime Green (R-65th District), Rep. Matt Maddock (R-51st District), Rep. Joseph Fox (R-101st District), and Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-43rd District), chair of the Michigan House Election Integrity Committee.
Sources familiar with the action tell Michigan Fair Election Institute the 12-page resolution has been in the works for some time. It comes on the heels of the Michigan House voting on May 22 to hold Benson in contempt for her refusal to fully respond to the House Oversight Committee’s subpoenas requiring her to supply all clerk training materials for review.
Relying on Article XI, Section 7 of the Michigan Constitution for its authority to impeach civil officers, Resolution 118 impeaches Benson for “corrupt conduct in office and for crimes and misdemeanors.” The resolution includes three articles detailing the alleged crimes.
Benson’s alleged crimes against the people of Michigan
In Article One, the legislators say Benson has “repeatedly exceeded the scope of her authority” as set out in Michigan law and has “exhibited corrupt conduct when these actions were challenged.”
Article Two addresses Benson’s handling of state elections. It notes she is responsible for administering elections “in a secure manner and responding appropriately when questions are raised.” But the legislators contend Benson “has failed to adequately respond to the concerns of the people, and thus has failed to fulfill her role as chief election officer.”
The final article contests a major plank in Benson's campaign for governor. When she announced her run for governor on January 22 — illegally using state property to promote her campaign — she said her focus as governor would be on “efficiency and transparency.” This article expresses concerns regarding Benson’s lack of transparency and her refusal to communicate. The third article of the impeachment resolution says on her watch, Benson has made the people of Michigan feel “ignored, belittled, and disrespected.”
Patrice Johnson, Founder and Chair of Michigan Fair Elections Institute, supports that assessment. “Too often we have had to fight tooth and nail for election information. Our data experts have spent hours composing FOIA requests and spent thousands of dollars for information that should be freely and easily available," she remarked.
Minutes before DeSana’s press conference, in testimony before the House Election Integrity Committee, MFEI election data experts described their experience in working with Michigan's Department of State.
Responding to the seriousness of the evidence presented in the hearing about systemic problems in the administration of election data, Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-81st District) asked whether law enforcement had been alerted.
Tim Vetter, Co-Chair of MFEI's DEEP team, told Wooden, “I’ve made multiple complaints to my local police and the FBI.” Vetter explained that his activities have been documented on national media platforms. “When I say I’m screaming from the rooftops, I’ve been doing this for four years, trying to raise awareness of these issues.”
Click here to view June 3, House Election Integrity hearing: https://www.youtube.com/live/vvK8nzFhPOs?si=C64AnxOem3kq3_8Z&t=326
The impeachment process could take weeks to months. Since the impeachment trial will take place in the Democrat-controlled state Senate, the House legislators are facing a major hurdle.
What Happens Next? [According to Grok, created by xAI]
Committee Review: The House Committee on Government Operations will review the articles of impeachment (House Resolution 118), which allege "corrupt conduct, constitutional violations, and repeated abuse of power," including contempt for the rule of law, willful neglect of duty, and lack of transparency. The committee will investigate the charges, potentially holding hearings, gathering evidence, and calling witnesses (e.g., Benson, election officials, or experts). They will assess whether the allegations—such as unlawful election directives, failure to preserve election records, and undermining public trust—warrant advancing the impeachment. Committee Recommendation: After deliberation, the committee will issue a recommendation to the full House. This could be: - Approval: Recommend adopting the articles of impeachment, finding sufficient evidence of impeachable offenses. - Rejection: Recommend dismissal if the allegations lack merit or evidence. - Modification: Propose revised articles with adjusted charges. House Vote: If the committee recommends proceeding, the full Michigan House of Representatives votes on the articles of impeachment. A simple majority (56 of 110 members) is required to impeach. If the House votes to impeach, Benson is formally charged, and the process moves to the Senate. Senate Trial: The Michigan Senate conducts a trial, acting as a court. The House appoints three members to serve as "managers" to prosecute the case before the Senate. Senators hear evidence, witness testimony, and arguments from both the prosecution (House managers) and Benson’s defense. The Senate may subpoena additional documents or witnesses. Senate Vote: After the trial, the Senate votes on whether to convict Benson on any of the articles. A two-thirds majority (26 of 38 senators) is required to convict and remove her from office. If convicted, Benson would be removed as Secretary of State, and the Lieutenant Governor or another designated official would appoint a replacement until the next election. If acquitted, Benson remains in office. |
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