State Representative James DeSana has supported a decision to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in civil contempt. This action follows her refusal to comply with a legislative subpoena for election training materials distributed to local clerks.
The House Oversight Committee issued the subpoena, demanding complete access to the training documents from Benson’s office. While some materials were released, key information remains withheld, contradicting the subpoena and legislative authority.
“Our Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson has been found in violation of the law by the Courts seven separate times, and she has lost the trust of the people,” said DeSana. “We as Representatives of the people have the responsibility to hold her accountable. So, today’s action, finding her in contempt of the House, is our first step in doing that.”
This development follows an initial request by Rep. Rachelle Smit, chair of the House Election Integrity Committee. After Benson refused this request citing concerns about document sensitivity, a subpoena was issued by the Oversight Committee.
According to Michigan law, the Legislature can compel document production related to committee matters. Non-compliance is considered contempt of the Legislature.
