In Detroit debate, Benson and James each blame the other’s party leadership for today’s problems

By: Katherine Dailey

Outlets: Michigan Advance

Published: October 16, 2026

Words: 1,166

Last Updated: 2 days ago


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Jocelyn Benson and John James could agree on one thing at a Thursday debate hosted by WDIV in Detroit — something needs to change in Michigan. But they disagreed on who was to blame.

James, a U.S. representative from Shelby Township and the Republican nominee, said it’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the last eight years of Democratic executive power in Lansing. Benson, the secretary of state and Democratic nominee, pointed the finger at …

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