Benson and John James Clash in First Televised Debate of Michigan Governor's Race
Michigan's gubernatorial candidates met for their first televised debate on October 6 in Grand Rapids, with Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James clashing over the economy, abortion rights, and the future of the state's auto industry. The race is one of the most competitive governor's contests in the nation this cycle.
Benson touted Michigan's economic momentum and her office's work on election administration, accusing James of supporting policies that would restrict abortion access statewide. James countered that Michigan families are struggling with high prices and blamed Democratic leadership for an unfriendly business climate, pledging to cut regulations and taxes to revive manufacturing.
The debate also touched on education funding, road infrastructure, and immigration. On electric vehicles, the two diverged sharply: Benson defended state incentives for EV and battery plants as the future of Michigan's auto industry, while James argued the transition has been forced on workers and consumers.
Polls show a tight race with weeks to go. Both candidates are crisscrossing the state in the final stretch, with early voting already underway. A second debate is scheduled before Election Day.
(Sources: Associated Press, Detroit Free Press)
Source: 美联社、Detroit自由新闻报
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：密歇根州议会大厦（兰辛）。摄影：w_lemay，CC BY-SA 2.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
