Michigan Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekstra recently filed a complaint against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, accusing her of a breach of professional conduct. The complaint revolves around a large donation made by Benson’s political action committee to the campaign of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden while a case involving the Michigan GOP was before the court. The case, DeVisser v. Benson, dealt with guidance issued by Benson concerning election challengers, which was ultimately overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court in a 4-3 party-line vote. Hoekstra alleges that the timing of the donation and the subsequent ruling by Bolden were highly suspicious and cast doubt on the integrity of the adjudicative process. He called for an investigation into the matter and sanctions against Benson as a member of the Michigan Bar. Benson and Bolden have yet to comment on the situation. The complaint comes as Bolden is running for a partial, four-year term on the Michigan Supreme Court, facing off against GOP-nominated Branch County Circuit Court Judge Patrick William O’Grady. The allegations raise concerns about potential undue influence on the judicial process and the need to uphold professional conduct standards within the legal profession.
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