Republican John James seeks some distance from Trump in Michigan governor debate

In the first debate of Michigan's governor's race, Republican Rep. John James tried to create space between himself and President Donald Trump, a notable move in a battleground state that voters nationally see as tied to growing frustration over the Iran war and living costs. Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, the state's secretary of state, spent the hour arguing that James had not confronted Trump and would not as governor, according to NBC News.

James, who had Trump's endorsement in the primary, said he could agree with the president without worshipping him, and cited the Iran war and tariffs as areas of disagreement. He called for ending the conflict immediately, though he has voted against several House resolutions aimed at doing so. He said he backed funding troops in harm's way, citing his combat service. Benson noted that military spouses serve too, and she labeled the tariffs a "John James tax."

James in turn linked Benson to outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The two also traded accusations of profiting from data centers, which both denied. Neither mentioned the Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers. NBC News rates the contest as leaning Democratic. A second debate is set for Oct. 15.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →