Benson Vs. James For MI Governor: 2026 Race Preview

Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James are running to be the next governor of Michigan.

Both candidates cruised to primary victories in August, setting the stage for what's expected to be a close race.

Benson has centered her campaign on cutting essential costs for families, such as health care, prescription drugs, auto insurance and housing.

On health care, Benson has talked about establishing an independent prescription drug affordability board and a $5,000 caregiver tax credit to help support taking care of loved ones.

Benson has also cited housing as one of the most enduring challenges that Michigan faces and has put together a plan to help create opportunities for first-time homeowners.

She has talked about creating a tax credit for first-time homebuyers and accelerating the process for which construction workers can build new affordable homes.

On data centers, Benson has called for a statewide moratorium on new data centers while promising strict regulations to protect communities and the environment. The Democratic nominee has also talked about requiring data center companies to pay the cost of any additional energy usage in local communities.

James, on the other hand, believes stronger economic growth, fewer regulations, and eliminating government waste would eventually reduce the state’s reliance on income tax revenue.

James strongly believes in eliminating Michigan's 4.25 percent income tax through a phased implementation plan. He has also talked about putting together a work tax credit for workers in law-staffed occupations.

Sticking with taxes, James has also talked about passing a 100 percent tax credit for businesses that provide scholarships for students pursuing professions, such as the skilled trades, healthcare and manufacturing.

On health care, James has mostly prioritized a prevention-first approach, such as focusing on healthy nutrition, exercise, sleep, metabolic health, addiction recovery, and removing synthetic dyes or harmful additives from state-controlled food purchases.

Like Benson, James is also calling for a pause on data centers. James, however, has talked about a local communities taking the lead instead of a statewide ban.

President Donald Trump endorsed James, saying he has the "courage and wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful State, and our Nation."

James has since broken with Trump over some issues, including the Iran war and tariff policy.

James, who has voted against several resolutions in the House that sought to end the Iran war, now says the war needs to end quickly. He pointed to using "whatever checks and balance power that we have to bring this war to a swift conclusion."

Benson has attacked James for voting against the Iran war powers resolutions while blaming high gas prices on the conflict.

"He’ll do exactly what he did in Congress: raise your prices, get rich, and do everything Donald Trump asks him to do," Benson said during an early October debate.

She has repeatedly tied James to the tariffs, referring to them as the "John James tax," arguing they could increase the cost of groceries, gas and other goods while threatening Michigan jobs.

"These reckless tariffs have been supported by my opponent, and that’s why we call them the John James Tax," Benson said during the debate.

Paul Sancya/AP

Benson and James face off at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, where they debated tariffs, health care, education, affordable housing and data centers.

James said he had pushed back on the Trump administration’s tariffs against Canada.

"I’ve actually never voted to increase tariffs on Canada, despite what she says," he said during the debate.

James has also tied Benson to Democratic leadership in Lansing and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

"Lansing is failing us, and it’s going to not be fixed by somebody who’s been a part of leadership in Lansing for the past eight years," James said.

Democrats are looking to keep Michigan’s governorship in their party’s hands after Whitmer’s two terms in office. Trump carried the state by just over 1 percentage point in the 2024 presidential election.

For full coverage of the 2026 election in Michigan, go here.