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Benson, James spar in Michigan gubernatorial debate: 3 takeaways

James defended his views on gas taxes, trade with Canada and the Iran conflict during the gubernatorial debate.

Benson, James spar in Michigan gubernatorial debate: 3 takeaways
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This article1 analysis · Oct 7, 2026
The Hill
Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Rep. John James debated their gubernatorial campaigns, addressing gas taxes, trade with Canada and the Iran conflict. Both supported suspending the federal gas tax, while they clashed over tariffs and James’s votes on war powers resolutions.

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John James R · MI-10

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John James
R · MI-10

Michigan gubernatorial candidate and U.S. representative

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States; his tariffs and the Iran conflict were discussed in the debate

Jamieson Greer
R · United States Trade Representative

U.S. Trade Representative whom James said he urged to resume negotiations with Canada

ALSO MENTIONED  Jocelyn Benson, Michigan gubernatorial candidate and secretary of state; Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan governor

Part of a bigger story

12 OUTLETS
John James and Jocelyn Benson Hold First Michigan Governor Debate

Benson and James held their first general-election debate in Michigan’s governor’s race, discussing policy issues and challenging each other’s positions and records. Center outlets focus on the candidates’ policy contrasts and debate exchanges, with individual accounts also emphasizing logistics, fact-checking or James’s effort to distinguish himself from Trump.

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