Michigan voters have decided on the Democratic and Republican candidates running in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Republican U.S. Rep. John James and Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are running for Michigan’s governor.
Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run again.
Local 4’s Ty Steele spoke with Benson and James before the primary election and asked them what Michigan voters are most concerned about, including education, affordability, economic growth, public safety and data centers.
Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
You can watch the full interviews below:
Jocelyn Benson (D)
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson has served as Michigan’s Secretary of State since 2018.
Benson framed her campaign around lowering costs, expanding economic opportunity and protecting individual rights. She pledged to work with lawmakers from both parties while promising to challenge those she said stand in the way of her agenda.
When she accepted her nomination on primary election night, she highlighted her background as the daughter of public school teachers, the wife of a combat veteran and the mother of a 10-year-old son.
She said those experiences shape her priorities on education, health care, housing affordability and child care.
Benson called for expanding affordable housing, improving access to health care, investing in public education and building what she described as a government that “saves us time, saves us money and makes our life easier.”
She also emphasized protecting abortion rights and voting rights, issues that have been central to her tenure as secretary of state.
John James (R)
Republican gubernatorial candidate John James has represented Michigan’s 10th Congressional District since 2023. He also served in the U.S. Army for eight years as a Ranger-qualified aviation officer.
If elected, he would be the first Black governor of Michigan.
James’ campaign focuses on economic issues, education, infrastructure and public safety.
When he accepted his nomination on primary election night, he criticized Michigan’s Democratic leadership, arguing that families are struggling with high costs, including energy prices, and that the state needs a change in direction.
James pointed to concerns about unemployment, school performance, infrastructure and population loss as issues he said would shape the November election.
“Michigan does not lack talent. We do not lack resources,” James said. “But Michigan lacks proven, tested leadership where it matters the most.”
He pledged to pursue policies including lowering taxes, reducing energy costs, improving schools, supporting law enforcement and investing in roads, bridges and infrastructure.