Michigan governor candidates debate ties to Trump and policy differences
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Republican candidate John James sought to distance himself from Donald Trump while Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson linked him to the president and criticized his record on Iran, tariffs and data centers.
Republican U.S. Rep. John James used his first debate with Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to emphasize an independent stance from President Donald Trump. James said he has “stood up to the president many times” and can agree with him without “worshipping” him, adding that he always puts Michigan first.
Benson repeatedly tied James to Trump, accusing him of failing to oppose the president and suggesting he would continue to do so as governor. She linked him to the administration’s tariff policies, calling them the “John James tax,” and blamed high gas prices on the conflict in Iran.
James responded that he has disagreed with Trump on issues such as the Iran war and tariff policy. He said the conflict in Iran should end “quickly, as in yesterday” and urged the use of congressional checks and balances to bring it to a swift conclusion. Regarding tariffs, he claimed to have confronted the administration and trade ambassador to negotiate a reciprocal, fair arrangement that would protect jobs and industry.
On immigration, James softened his earlier hard-line position, stating he does not foresee a need for ICE presence in Michigan and will focus on cooperating with federal law enforcement and prioritizing violent offenders.
The candidates also sparred over data centers, each accusing the other of profiting from related policies or holdings. Benson denied any family profit, while James said any data-center stocks he owns are held in broad mutual funds.
The debate took place as national polls show declining public approval of Trump’s handling of the Iran war and cost-of-living issues ahead of the November election.