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Republican John James seeks some distance from Trump in Michigan governor debate
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Rep. John James distanced himself from former President Donald Trump during a Michigan governor’s debate, highlighting disagreements on issues like the Iran war and tariffs despite Trump’s prior endorsement.
- Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson accused James of failing to stand up to Trump and criticized his votes against Iran war powers resolutions, linking him to rising gas prices and Trump’s tariff policies.
- James, a combat veteran, defended his votes on war funding as protecting troops and emphasized prioritizing law enforcement without needing ICE presence in Michigan.
- The candidates clashed over data center investments, with each accusing the other of profiting from the industry, though both denied direct financial gains.
- The debate did not address the Michigan Senate race, and both candidates avoided linking each other to Senate contenders, as Democrats aim to maintain control of the governorship in a state narrowly won by Trump in 2024.
