Benson and James Clash Over Taxes, Health Care and Trump in First Michigan Governor Debate in Grand Rapids
Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James met in Grand Rapids on Oct. 6 for their first televised debate for Michigan governor, sparring over income taxes, Medicaid, tariffs and President Trump as more than 200,000 ballots had already been returned.
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James met Tuesday night in Grand Rapids for their first televised debate in Michigan’s race for governor, according to live coverage by the Detroit Free Press.
The one-hour debate at the WOOD-TV studio came with voting already underway. More than 200,000 Michigan voters had returned ballots as of Tuesday morning, with over 2 million absentee ballots requested, according to the Secretary of State’s office as reported by the Free Press.
Taxes, health care and the cost of living
James said he wants to phase out Michigan’s state income tax with the goal of eliminating it, saying it would put money back in people’s pockets, according to the Free Press. Benson said she would enact a caregiver tax credit first proposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and a child care tax credit, according to the Free Press.
On health care, Benson criticized James for supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut federal Medicaid funding and added work requirements, and called health care the defining issue in the campaign, according to the Free Press. James said he wants to support Medicaid for those it was originally intended for, according to the Free Press. Neither candidate outlined a plan for raising new state revenue to fund Medicaid when asked, according to the Free Press.
The candidates also sparred over tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, data centers, education and the state gas tax, according to the Free Press. Both expressed openness to suspending the state gas tax, while Benson blamed James’s votes on the Iran war for high fuel prices and James said he voted to ensure U.S. troops had adequate funding, according to the Free Press.
A close race with Election Day on Nov. 3
Benson tied James to President Donald Trump in her closing, saying he has worked with an agenda that raised prices, according to the Free Press. James closed by saying Michigan needs change and that he would serve voters regardless of party, according to the Free Press.
Whitmer cannot seek another term due to term limits. The Cook Political Report rates the race competitive with Benson having the advantage, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball also leans toward Benson, according to the Free Press. Voters will decide on Nov. 3, with early in-person voting in Michigan running Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, according to the Free Press.
Reporting based on coverage by the Detroit Free Press.
