Benson, James Spar over Data Centers, Cost of Living in Second Michigan Governor Debate
The candidates will answer viewer questions on gas prices, data centers, tariffs with Canada, education and healthcare in 60-second responses.
- On Thursday, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James clashed during their second gubernatorial debate in Detroit, trading personal attacks over affordability, energy costs, and their policy records.
- James proposed diverting $550 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to suspend the gas tax, while Benson promised a comprehensive review of state revenue rather than immediate tax cuts for middle-class residents.
- Candidates sparred over data center regulation, with James claiming Benson personally profited $370,000 from the industry. Benson countered by citing James's acceptance of more than $250,000 from the DeVos family and his voting record on healthcare.
- Benson criticized James for supporting U.S. military action in Iran six times and voting to cut Medicaid, while James argued Michigan's declining school test scores and energy costs reflect eight years of Democratic leadership in Lansing.
- With Election Day set for November 3 and early voting already underway, both candidates continue aggressively challenging each other's integrity and policy records in the final stretch of the gubernatorial race.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Here are key takeaways from Benson, James Michigan gubernatorial debate
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Congressman John James met for their second and final debate before election day on Thursday night-- this time trading blame for the condition of the state.
In Detroit debate, Benson and James each blame the other’s party leadership for today’s problems
Jocelyn Benson and John James could agree on one thing at a Thursday debate hosted by WDIV in Detroit — something needs to change in Michigan. But they disagreed on who was to blame. James, a U.S. representative from Shelby Township and the Republican nominee, said it’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the last eight years […]
Republican John James and Democrat Jocelyn Benson, running for governor, debate for second time
Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, wearing a bright red suit, joined Republican Congressman John James, wearing a black suit and mustard-colored tie, at the WDIV studio for a broadcast second debate in the race for governor of the state Thursday night in Detroit.
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