Bickering, electability, Trump take center stage at first of back-to-back GOP gubernatorial debates

By: Katherine Dailey

Outlets: Michigan Advance

Published: July 9, 2026

Words: 1,087

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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In the first of two debates this week in the Republican gubernatorial primary, U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.), businessman Perry Johnson and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox faced off in a debate hosted by Fox 2 Detroit.

While the candidates largely agreed on a slew of issues — cutting or eliminating taxes in Michigan, shrinking the state’s budget and supporting the agenda of President Donald Trump — personal attacks thrown between all …

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