Michigan · Governor · Election Day Nov 3, 2026

Michigan Governor: Benson vs. James

Benson leads by 8.4 points in the Crosstab average of recent polls. Crosstab rates it Likely Dem.

Benson (D)51.4%
James (R)43.0%
Chance of winning · Crosstab forecast
Benson 92%8% James
Open in CrosstabGet alerts for this race

Polling average over time

384654 51.7% 43.0% Aug 4, 2026Nov 1, 2026
Crosstab average of each day's latest polls (up to six from the past 45 days).

Every poll

PollsterDateBensonJames
Research Co.Nov 1, 20265341
NY Times/SienaNov 1, 20265239
EmersonNov 1, 20265046
Concord Public Opinion PartnersNov 1, 20265041
AtlasIntelNov 1, 20265345
YouGovOct 29, 20265246
Rasmussen ReportsOct 29, 20265040
Mitchell Research & CommunicationsOct 27, 20264944
SSRSOct 27, 20265341
Data for ProgressOct 25, 20265046
Michigan State University Department of Political Science/VerasightOct 23, 202650.941.5
Glengariff GroupOct 22, 20265145
Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research/YouGovOct 19, 202653.340.9
MaristOct 18, 20265145
Wedgewood PollsOct 9, 20265545
YouGovOct 4, 20264845
Mitchell Research & CommunicationsOct 1, 20264639
Z to A ResearchOct 1, 20265040
Beacon Research/Shaw & Company ResearchSep 28, 20265445
MaristSep 27, 20265341
Guidant Polling & StrategySep 27, 20265045
NY Times/SienaSep 24, 20264843
Suffolk UniversitySep 22, 20265134
co/efficientSep 22, 20264744
Cygnal/Beacon ResearchSep 21, 20264538
Torchlight StrategiesSep 19, 20264241
EmersonSep 17, 20264942
Washington PostSep 17, 20265341
Detroit News/GlengariffSep 8, 20264743
SSRSSep 6, 20265041
Michigan State/YouGovSep 1, 20265243
EPIC-MRAAug 28, 20264844
Michigan State University/YouGovAug 20, 20264939
Fabrizio Ward/Impact ResearchAug 11, 20264944
TIPP InsightsAug 10, 20264834
Beacon Research/Shaw & Co. ResearchAug 10, 20265247
Beacon Research/Shaw & Co. ResearchAug 10, 20265445
EPIC-MRAJul 31, 20264738
Mitchell ResearchJul 29, 20264644
Glengariff GroupJul 24, 20264439
Mitchell ResearchJun 13, 20265140
TIPP InsightsMay 23, 20264635
Glengariff GroupFeb 2, 20264541
Glengariff GroupJan 6, 20264745

The candidates

Jocelyn Benson
Democrat

Jocelyn Michelle Benson is an American politician and attorney who is the governor-elect of Michigan. Since 2019, she has served as the 43rd secretary of state of Michigan. A member of the Democratic Party, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School from 2012 to 2…

Talks about: Housing, Healthcare, Education, Electricity Costs, Jobs & Economy
John James
Republican · U.S. Representative, MI-10, since 2023
Talks about: Everyday Costs, Education, Public Safety, Government Transparency, Gas Tax

In the news

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elpasomatters.org · Nov 10, 2026

Updated Nov 3, 2026. How Crosstab calculates averages and odds.

More on Michigan

All Michigan 2026 races · Jocelyn Benson · John James · Every governor race

Questions people ask

Who is winning the Michigan governor's race?

Benson leads by 8.4 points in the Crosstab average of 8 recent polls (Benson vs. James). Crosstab's forecast gives Benson a 92% chance to win.

When is the Michigan governor's election?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Who is running for Michigan governor in 2026?

Benson (D), James (R).