Benson, James Clash in Final Michigan Governor Debate

Michigan gubernatorial candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed in their second and final debate over affordability, health care costs, data-center development, taxes, President Donald Trump and Democrats’ record in Lansing. Benson emphasized lowering costs and raising wages, proposed suspending the federal gas tax, pledged not to pursue a broad middle-class tax increase, and criticized James’s support for Trump and data-center tax breaks; she also acknowledged Democrats had fallen short on public schools and government accountability. James criticized the state’s condition under Democratic leadership and highlighted his health care price-transparency work. Both candidates supported suspending the federal gas tax. Voters will choose Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s successor on Nov. 3.