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Republican Congressman John James moved to separate himself from President Donald Trump during his first debate against Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson on Tuesday. The Michigan governor’s race debate highlighted sharp divisions on the Iran war, tariffs, immigration and data centers, as both candidates fought to define each other ahead of a closely watched midterm election.
James Pushes Back on Trump Ties
Benson, who currently serves as Michigan’s secretary of state, repeatedly attempted to link James directly to Trump throughout the hourlong exchange. She argued that James had failed to challenge the president and would continue to do so if elected governor.
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James, however, pointed to the Iran war and tariff policy as areas where he has openly disagreed with Trump. “I’ve stood up to the president many times,” James said. “I can agree with the president without worshipping him. I can disagree without attacking him, and I always put Michigan first.”
Trump endorsed James during the Republican primary campaign. Despite that backing, James made clear on Tuesday that his loyalty lies with Michigan voters rather than with the White House.
Iran War and Military Service Spark Heated Exchange
The Iran war emerged as one of the sharpest flashpoints of the debate. James said the conflict needed to end “quickly, as in yesterday.” He also said he wants to “use whatever checks and balance power that we have to bring this war to a swift conclusion.”
However, James has voted against several House resolutions aimed at ending the Iran war. Benson attacked him directly over those votes and blamed the conflict for rising gas prices.
James defended his position by citing his military background. “I struggle with that vote,” he acknowledged. “I’m a combat veteran. I have been to war. She has not. I understand what war means, and so I voted to protect the troops and to fund them while they were in harm’s way.”
Benson responded by noting that her husband served in the Army. “Military spouses serve also, congressman,” she said.
The debate comes as national polls show growing public dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the Iran war and the rising cost of living, with midterm elections drawing closer.
Tariffs, Immigration and Data Centers
Benson also tried to tie James to Trump’s tariff agenda, calling them the “John James tax.” James pushed back, saying he had directly challenged the Trump administration over its tariffs on Canada.
“I’ve actually called out the administration specifically,” James said. He added that he had spoken with the trade ambassador and urged both sides to “stop acting like children and negotiate a reciprocal, fair and mutually beneficial arrangement.”
On immigration, James appeared to soften a position he staked out in July. Earlier, he had promised to end sanctuary city policies and cooperate with federal immigration authorities. On Tuesday, he said he does not see a need for ICE presence in Michigan.
“We’re going to be cooperating with federal law enforcement as well as our communities,” James said. “Frankly, I don’t believe we’re going to need ICE presence in the state of Michigan, because we are going to be enforcing the law.”
The candidates also clashed over data centers, with each accusing the other of profiting from them. Benson accused James of holding stocks in data centers while voting for policies that benefited them. James, in turn, accused Benson’s family of profiting from a data center’s construction. Benson denied that claim, while James said any relevant stocks he holds sit within broad mutual funds.
Race Outlook and Next Debate
Democrats are working to retain the Michigan governorship after two terms under term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Trump carried Michigan by just over one percentage point in the 2024 presidential election, making the state competitive. NBC News currently characterizes the governor’s race as leaning toward Democrats.
Notably, neither candidate mentioned the Michigan Senate race on Tuesday. That contest features Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers. Republicans have been eager to link El-Sayed, a progressive, to other Democratic candidates in competitive races, but the topic did not surface during the debate.
When moderator Rick Albin of NBC affiliate WOOD in Grand Rapids asked Benson to identify a decision where Governor Whitmer failed to listen to Michiganders, Benson did not name a specific policy. Instead, she pointed broadly to the need to improve the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
James attempted throughout the debate to connect Benson’s record to Whitmer’s tenure. Benson, meanwhile, worked to present herself as an independent voice for Michigan. The two candidates are scheduled to meet again for a second debate on October 15.
