Black Thursday for Benson: Two 911 Calls Went Out from MI Legislators Asking Feds for Election HELP!!

Benson and others react to legislators' calls for federal intervention

By Kristine Christlieb, MFEI News & Commentary Editor

November 18, 2025

November 13 was not a good day for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, but at least it wasn't a Friday the 13th.

First, a group of 22 Michigan Republican legislators signed a letter asking Attorney General Pam Bondi to monitor the state's 2026 elections.

Then, the Detroit News published an op-ed piece from Michigan House Speaker Pro Tempore and Election Integrity Committee Chair Rachelle Smit also calling for federal intervention in connection with Benson's new administrative rules.

Taken together, it wasn't a good look for the gubernatorial candidate who is in a tight race.

Referring to the egregious administrative rules coming out of Benson's office, Smit wrote: "Without immediate federal intervention, these rules will eliminate the transparency and accountability that give Michigan voters confidence in their elections."

The legislators' letter, calling for Bondi to oversee Michigan's 2026 elections, got statewide media coverage and pushback. The Detroit Free Press, MLive, The Michigan Daily, Bridge Michigan and Michigan Advance all published stories.

Several outlets pointed out the letter's first signatory was Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, a Republican, who, along with Benson, is vying for the governor's mansion.

"In 2026, there are three statewide races on the line in Michigan," said Patrice Johnson, founder and chairperson of Michigan Fair Elections Institute. "Our elections have suffered under the policies put forward by the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. Of particular note is Benson's history of overreach and lawlessness. It's not surprising people are nervous and want outside monitors for our primary and general elections,"

Benson's response and the blowback

The extensive news coverage goaded Benson into posting a personal response. Writing on X, Benson instantly ignited her detractors by claiming Michigan elections are safe and secure.

"Our elections are some of the safest and most secure in the country because the clerks, poll workers, and volunteers — who represent the entire political spectrum — ensure the voices and the votes of the people are heard and upheld.

Suggesting anything else is a reckless attempt to distract from the real issues facing people of Michigan: making sure they can afford to live and thrive in Michigan."

Within minutes, Tim Vetter — a veteran, Michigan election analyst who has been monitoring the state's election data since 2021 — shot back with a humorous video showing Benson's nose growing as an electronic mimic of her voice says, "Our voter rolls must be transparent, accurate, and auditable."

Patty McMurray, who regularly reports on Michigan elections for The Gateway Pundit, also was quick to join the volley of meme laughter at Benson's claim of safe and secure elections.

On Facebook, Monica Yatooma, a Republican candidate for Secretary of State, wrote in support of the Republicans' call for help: "Michigan is facing a major red flag — and Republicans aren’t just warning, they’re asking the U.S. Department of Justice to step in."

In a statement reported in Michigan Advance, Angela Benander, Benson’s chief communications officer at the Department of State, claimed the request for intervention was like "pouring gasoline on our democracy and asking the DOJ to light a match." She went on to say the legislators are using, "dangerous, false rhetoric to encourage President Trump to illegally interfere in our state’s ability to hold fair and free elections."

So far, the Department of Justice has no comment.

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