Ryan Friedrichs Transitions Role at Related Companies Ahead of Michigan Gubernatorial Election

Ryan Friedrichs, vice president at Related Companies and husband of Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, has transitioned to a national role, stepping away from Michigan projects. Friedrichs announced he will now focus on stakeholder and policy engagement. His prior involvement in Michigan projects raised conflict of interest concerns amid Benson's gubernatorial campaign, especially related to a controversial data center project in Saline Township.

Published Mar 22, 2026

Ryan Friedrichs, vice president of development at Related Companies and husband of Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, has changed his role to vice president of stakeholder and policy engagement at the national level, stepping away from Michigan projects. This shift comes ahead of the gubernatorial election, where Benson is the Democratic frontrunner.

AI-curated by Theia

Friedrichs's previous involvement in Michigan projects, particularly a contentious data center project in Saline Township, raised potential conflict of interest issues if Benson were to win. Related Companies stated that Friedrichs would recuse himself from Michigan projects should Benson become governor.