Reproductive Freedom for All Celebrates Jocelyn Benson’s Selection of Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Lieutenant Governor - Reproductive Freedom for All®

Formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America

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Reproductive Freedom for All Celebrates Jocelyn Benson’s Selection of Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Lieutenant Governor

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

Reproductive Freedom for All Celebrates Jocelyn Benson’s Selection of Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Lieutenant Governor

Lansing, MI — Today, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson announced Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate to serve as Michigan’s lieutenant governor.

Brinks has spent more than a decade fighting for Michiganders and their reproductive freedom in the Michigan Legislature. She played a pivotal role in repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and passing the Reproductive Health Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023. She joins Benson, who has a proven record of standing up for reproductive freedom.

The Republican nominee for governor, U.S. Rep. John James, is an anti-abortion extremist who has stated he is “100% pro-life” and has received endorsement from Donald Trump in his bid for governor. James recently named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate, who also has an extensive anti-abortion record.

Reproductive Freedom for All Director of Michigan Campaigns Shanay Watson-Whittaker released the following statement:

“Senate Leader Winnie Brinks has spent her career defending Michiganders’ reproductive freedom. We’re thrilled that Jocelyn Benson chose Brinks as her running mate — together, they form a formidable duo and stark contrast against anti-abortion extremists John James and Jay DeBoyer. We’re committed to making sure Benson and Brinks are elected as Michigan voters turn out once again to defend their reproductive freedom this November.”

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For over 55 years, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America) has fought to protect and advance reproductive freedom at the federal and state levels—including access to abortion care, birth control, pregnancy and post-partum care, and paid family leave—for everybody. Reproductive Freedom for All is powered by its more than 4.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 8 in 10 Americans who support legal abortion.