State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) today held a press conference to announce the introduction of House Resolution 118, which contains three Articles of Impeachment against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

“As a legislator and lifelong Michigan resident, it is my belief that we are dealing with the most lawless Secretary of State in Michigan history,” said Rep. DeSana. “Not only has she flaunted numerous Michigan laws, but Michigan courts have ruled against her on seven separate occasions.”

The Articles cite numerous instances in which DeSana alleges Secretary Benson violated state and federal election laws, abused her authority, and disregarded rulings by Michigan courts.

Article I: Abuse of Authority and Legal Violations

• Issued election guidance and mandates beyond her statutory authority.
• Donated $82,500 to a judicial candidate through her PAC shortly before a case involving Benson appeared before the Michigan Supreme Court.
• Unilaterally banned open carry near polling places without legislative approval.
• Violated election law by presuming the validity of absentee ballot signatures.
• Urged certification of the 2020 election despite serious concerns about the Wayne County canvass process.

Article II: Mishandling and Destruction of Election Records

• Alleged discrepancies between electronic and paper voter records.
• Ordered deletion of electronic poll book data only seven days after certification, violating federal law requiring a 22-month retention period.

Article III: Intimidation of Local Officials

• Pressured local boards of canvassers to certify election results.
• Directed a local clerk to halt election duties without legal grounds.

“Even Secretary Benson’s attorney admitted in open court that she will only follow the laws she deems constitutional or agrees with,” said DeSana. “Her job is to enforce the law, not interpret or rewrite it. Since the Michigan Supreme Court and Attorney General won’t hold her accountable, it is up to the Legislature to act.

“This is a matter of accountability, transparency, and the integrity of our elections. If the people of Michigan are to trust our democratic process, we must ensure that those in power are held to the rule of law.”