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Jocelyn Benson
Politicians/Jocelyn Benson
Jocelyn Benson (Democratic)
Secretary of State
Role Summary

The U.S. Secretary of State is the nation's chief diplomat and head of the Department of State. Responsibilities include advising the President on foreign policy, negotiating treaties and international agreements, representing the United States abroad, and overseeing the country's embassies and consulates worldwide.

Quick Facts
Party
Democratic
Residence
Detroit, MI
Family
Husband: Ryan; 1 Child: Aiden
Contact
www.michigan.gov/sos
Election Info
Current Term01/01/2019 — Present
First Elected11/06/2018
Last Elected11/08/2022
Next Secretary Election2026
Education
BA, Political Science
Wellesley College
1995-1999
JD, Civil Rights and Election Law
Harvard University Law School
2001-2004
MPhil, Sociology
University of Oxford
1999-2001
Political Career1
Secretary of State
State of Michigan
2019-present
Professional Background8
Voting Rights Policy Coordinator
Harvard Civil Rights Project
2002-2004
Director
Michigan Allies Project
Law Clerk
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
2004-2005
Dean of Law School
Wayne State University
2012-2016
Summer Associate
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Incorporated
2003
Associate Professor
Wayne State University Law School
2005-2012
Associate Director
Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
2016-2018
Organizations6
Michigan Center for Election Law and Administration
Director/Founder
2011-2013
iCivics Advisory Board
Member
2013-present
Military Spouses of Michigan
Co-Founder/Director
2011-2014
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Board Member
2019-present
Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports
Chair
2019-present
ABA's Committee on Election Law
Member
Quick Facts
Party
Democratic
Residence
Detroit, MI
Family
Husband: Ryan; 1 Child: Aiden
Contact
www.michigan.gov/sos