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Michigan candidates clash in first debate

Michigan gubernatorial candidates John James and Jocelyn Benson clashed over data center projects and energy costs during their first debate. The candidates traded accusations regarding family ties and stock investments while outlining contrasting policy views.

By IUX24Oct 7, 2026, 1:27 PM UTC

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U.S. Rep. John James, the Republican candidate for governor, accused his Democratic rival, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and her husband of "bulldozing" Saline Township to help tech giants Oracle and OpenAI build a massive data center on longtime farmland. Benson's husband, Ryan Friedrichs, was initially involved in his employer's development of the data center, but has since recused himself

Michigan gubernatorial candidates clashed over data centers, gas taxes, and foreign policy during their first fall debate in Grand Rapids on October 6. Republican John James and Democrat Jocelyn Benson traded sharp personal attacks with four weeks remaining until the November election. The debate highlighted voter anxiety over rapid artificial intelligence expansion and infrastructure costs across the United States.