Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Rep. John James (R-Mich.) participated in a gubernatorial debate on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The hour-long event, hosted by Nexstar’s WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, took place less than a month before the election to determine the successor to term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D).
The candidates addressed several state-specific and national issues, including energy costs, international trade, and military conflicts. Benson committed to improving the efficiency of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, while James focused on tax reduction pledges.
Both candidates supported suspending the federal gas tax to address high fuel costs attributed to the ongoing Iran war. James also called for a suspension of the state fuel tax, which is approximately 52 cents per gallon, while Benson stated she was "open" to state-level cuts but emphasized federal responsibility for prices. As of Wednesday, October 7, gas in Michigan averaged $4.43 per gallon, while diesel stood at $6.60.
Regarding trade, James criticized the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian imports, urging U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to return to negotiations. Benson opposed the tariffs and proposed a "subnational agreement" with Canada to protect Michigan goods from import taxes. Canada is the state's largest trading partner, with $21.2 billion in annual exports, over half of which are in the vehicle sector.
The outcome of the race will also influence Michigan's response to federal trade policies. With 50 percent tariffs on Canadian automobiles scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, the next governor will manage the impact on the state's vehicle and engine sectors, which comprise the majority of its trade with Canada. Benson’s proposed subnational agreement represents a potential shift in how the state interacts with international partners independently of federal tariff policy.
Voters will decide between Benson and James on Election Day, which occurs in less than a month. The winner will succeed Governor Whitmer, whose term is ending due to state term limits. Specific implementation dates for the candidates' proposed state-level gas tax changes or trade agreements were not reported, as they depend on the election results and subsequent legislative coordination in Lansing.