The Man Behind Michigan's Secretary Of State: Unveiling Ryan Friedrichs, Jocelyn Benson's Husband, And His Controversial Real Estate Ties
The identity of Jocelyn Benson's husband, Ryan Friedrichs, has become a subject of intense public interest, particularly as the Michigan Secretary of State continues to be a national figure in election integrity and democracy advocacy. As of December 22, 2025, Mr. Friedrichs is a prominent figure in the real estate and development sector, currently serving as a Vice President at Related Companies, a role that has recently put him at the center of a significant and highly publicized local controversy in Michigan.
Their marriage represents a powerful intersection of Michigan politics, civic engagement, and high-stakes business, with both individuals maintaining demanding careers that frequently place them in the public spotlight. This article provides a deep dive into the professional life and background of Ryan Friedrichs, the man married to one of Michigan's most recognizable political leaders, and explores the dynamics of their family life.
Jocelyn Benson: A Complete Biographical Profile
Jocelyn Michelle Benson, born on October 22, 1977, is an American politician, attorney, and academic who has carved out a distinguished career in law and public service. Her professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to civil rights and government transparency, culminating in her current high-profile role.
Key Biographical Milestones
- Current Role: 43rd Secretary of State of Michigan (since January 1, 2019).
- Education: Benson is a graduate of Wellesley College, received her Master of Philosophy degree from Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar, and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School.
- Academic Career: Prior to her election as Secretary of State, Benson served as the Dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, becoming the youngest woman in the United States to lead a top-100 accredited law school at the time. She also taught election law and was the founding director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.
- Publications: She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Sisters in Law: How the Hollywood Film and the Washington Insider Ignited the Supreme Court, and the 2024 book, The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Odds Are Against You.
- Political History: Benson was the Democratic nominee for Michigan Secretary of State in 2010 and successfully ran and was elected in 2018, securing a second term in 2022. She is a leading national voice on election security, voting rights, and government modernization.
Her work has often focused on defending democracy and making government services more accessible, a mission that has earned her national recognition and placed her at the forefront of post-2020 election security efforts in the state of Michigan.
Ryan Friedrichs: Career, Education, and Professional Focus
Jocelyn Benson’s husband, Ryan Friedrichs, is a highly accomplished professional whose career trajectory spans non-profit leadership, city government, and major private real estate development. His background provides a fascinating contrast and complement to his wife's political career.
From Civic Engagement to Chief Development Officer
Friedrichs spent nearly a decade in the non-profit sector, focusing on civic engagement and community organizing. This foundational work established him as a national name in the world of civic action. He was a co-founder of the State Voices network in Detroit, an organization dedicated to strengthening democracy by improving civic engagement among underrepresented communities.
His transition to government began when he served as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) for the City of Detroit. In this key municipal role, Friedrichs was responsible for coordinating major development projects, driving economic growth, and managing the city’s complex relationship with private developers and philanthropic organizations. This experience gave him a deep understanding of urban planning, large-scale investment, and public-private partnerships in the Detroit area.
Current Role at Related Companies
Currently, Ryan Friedrichs holds the position of Vice President of Development at Related Companies, one of the largest and most influential real estate developers in the United States. Related Companies is known for massive, mixed-use developments, including significant projects in affordable housing and large-scale commercial real estate. His work in this capacity involves overseeing complex projects from conception through completion, often requiring navigation of intricate state and local regulatory frameworks.
Friedrichs' educational background includes a degree from Culver-Stockton College and a post-graduate degree from Michigan State University, providing him with a solid foundation for his diverse career path in law, public service, and development.
The Saline Township Data Center Controversy
The convergence of the couple's careers was highlighted by a recent and notable controversy involving a major development project in Michigan. This situation perfectly illustrates the complex challenges faced by political spouses whose professional lives intersect with public policy.
The AI Data Center Project
In a major news story, Ryan Friedrichs' employer, Related Companies, partnered with tech giant Oracle to propose a massive, controversial AI data center project in Saline Township, Michigan. Data centers, while economically beneficial, are often met with local opposition due to their immense demand for water and energy, as well as concerns about noise and environmental impact.
The project became a flashpoint for local residents, who expressed strong opposition to the development. News reports indicated that Related Companies and Oracle subsequently filed a lawsuit against Saline Township, escalating the local dispute into a major legal and political battle.
Ethical and Political Scrutiny
Because Jocelyn Benson is a high-ranking state official, her husband's involvement in a large, controversial project that requires local and potentially state approval naturally drew public and media scrutiny. Critics raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given the Secretary of State's powerful position within Michigan's government.
While the Secretary of State's office is not directly involved in zoning or real estate development approvals, the perception of influence is a sensitive issue in state politics. Mr. Friedrichs has reportedly taken steps to recuse himself from any state work that could present a conflict, but the controversy remains a key point of discussion regarding the intersection of their public and private lives.
Jocelyn Benson and Ryan Friedrichs: Family Life and Private Spheres
Despite their high-profile careers and the political scrutiny they often face, Jocelyn Benson and Ryan Friedrichs maintain a private family life centered in Michigan. They are dedicated parents to their young son, whose privacy is generally protected from the intense media spotlight.
The couple's relationship is rooted in a shared commitment to public service, even if their current professional paths—one in democratic reform and the other in large-scale real estate—have diverged. They are frequently seen together at political and civic events across the state, showcasing a united front as one of Michigan's most influential power couples. Their home in Detroit serves as their base as they navigate the demanding schedules of state politics and major commercial development.
The challenges they face, from defending election integrity to managing the fallout from complex business dealings, underscore the unique pressures on families in modern American public life. For Jocelyn Benson and Ryan Friedrichs, their personal partnership is continually tested by the public nature of their professional ambitions and the high stakes of their respective fields.
This dynamic ensures that while Jocelyn Benson’s work focuses on the principles of democracy and transparency, her husband’s career in development keeps them firmly connected to the economic and physical landscape of Michigan, creating a powerful, if sometimes complicated, political entity.
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