State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) today voted to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in civil contempt for refusing to comply with a legislative subpoena seeking election training materials provided to local clerks across the state.

The subpoena, issued by the House Oversight Committee, demanded the full release of training documents used by Benson’s office. Although the Secretary of State’s office released a portion of the materials, she continues to withhold key information — in direct defiance of the subpoena and the Legislature’s statutory 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.”

The House action comes after Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin), chair of the House Election Integrity Committee, initially requested the materials. When the Secretary refused, the Oversight Committee issued a subpoena — which Benson has now ignored, citing vague concerns about the sensitivity of the documents.

Under Michigan law, the Legislature has clear authority to compel the production of documents related to matters before its committees. Failure to do so constitutes contempt of the Legislature.