Jocelyn Benson, John James, square off in Michigan gubernatorial debate

Tuesday's Michigan gubernatorial debate between Jocelyn Benson and John James got heated as the candidates sparred over the economy and data centers.

The race heats up as the candidates fight for a seat to be vacated by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is nearing the end of her second term and cannot seek reelection.

Benson is nearing the end of her two-term limit as secretary of state and announced in January 2025 that she would run for governor. Benson says her plans for governor include making Michigan more affordable, taking public schools to the top 10 in the nation and making government for Michiganders.

James is a U.S. representative for Michigan's 10th district who announced in April 2025 that he was running for governor. James says his plans include supporting small businesses and skilled careers, elevating academic excellence and building safe communities. 

The other candidates running for Michigan governor are Anthony Hudson, who is running as a Libertarian but was disavowed by the party on Sept. 27; Donna Brandenburg, who is running under the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan; and Douglas Campbell, who is running as the Green Party candidate.

Ballots cast so far

According to the Michigan Secretary of State database, 201,909 absentee ballots have already been sent as of Tuesday morning.

This number accounts for about 2.7% of the 7.3 million registered voters with an "active" status in the Qualified Voter File.

Absentee ballot season opened on Sept. 24, and in-person early voting starts Oct. 24.