SPARTA, Mich. (WOOD) — Six of the seven republican candidates operating in Michigan’s 2026 governor race took the stage Wednesday night time for the primary of three scheduled debates.
Former Legal professional Common Mike Cox, businessman Anthony Hudson, former Home Speaker Tom Leonard, State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, pastor Ralph Rebandt, and Karla Wagner all participated within the occasion.
One notable absence was Congressman John James, who didn’t RSVP to attend, a choice that shortly turned a speaking level among the many candidates.
Organizers said that James didn’t present a cause for skipping the controversy.
The night started with questions on Michigan rating within the backside for inhabitants progress and find out how to entice new residents. Wagner and Leonard recommended eliminating property taxes to make the state extra reasonably priced, whereas Nesbitt and Hudson emphasised job creation and bringing industries again to Michigan.
All through the night time, candidates additionally debated points together with training, union rights, right-to-work legal guidelines, taxpayer protections, and property taxes.
Every candidate additionally touched on the acute housing prices west Michigan is dealing with and the way they might decrease prices if elected as governor.
The night wrapped up with a spherical of rapid-fire questions overlaying topics like revenue tax elimination, nationwide guard deployment to the southern border and constitutional carry legal guidelines.
The subsequent two Michigan GOP debates will likely be on November 4 in Roseville, Michigan and November 20 in Traverse Metropolis.
There are not any Michigan Democratic get together debates scheduled at the moment.
