Watch live: Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls Benson, James go head-to-head in debate

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Rep. John James (R-Mich.) will face off Tuesday night in the first gubernatorial debate of the general election.

Benson and James are battling to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) as Michigan’s next governor, with Election Day just weeks away.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the 2026 race as leaning in Benson’s favor as Republicans look to flip the seat in November. According to the Decision Desk HQ average , the Democrat has a 75 percent chance of victory over James’s 25 percent.

The forum, hosted by Nexstar’s WOOD-TV, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT.