---
title: "James distances himself from Trump in first debate with Benson"
url: https://www.herelansing.com/2026/10/08/james-distances-from-trump-first-michigan-debate-benson/
date: 2026-10-08T09:11:59-04:00
modified: 2026-10-08T09:11:59-04:00
author: "HERE City State Desk"
categories: ["News"]
site: "HERE Lansing"
attribution: "HERE Lansing"
---

# James distances himself from Trump in first debate with Benson

*Source: [HERE Lansing](https://www.herelansing.com/2026/10/08/james-distances-from-trump-first-michigan-debate-benson/) — October 8, 2026 by HERE City State Desk*

*From the HERE City State Desk*

Republican U.S. Rep. John James tried to put some distance between himself and President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in his first debate with Democrat Jocelyn Benson in the race for Michigan governor.

Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state, repeatedly sought to tie James to Trump during the hourlong debate, arguing he had failed to stand up to the president and would not do so as governor. James, who won Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary, pointed to the Iran war and tariff policy as areas where he disagrees with the president.

James said the conflict in Iran needed to end quickly. Benson criticized him for voting against House resolutions that sought to end the war and blamed the conflict for high gas prices. James, a combat veteran, said he voted to protect and fund troops while they were in harm’s way. Benson noted that her husband served in the Army.

On trade, Benson called Trump’s tariffs the John James tax. James said he had pushed back on the administration’s tariffs against Canada. He also said he does not believe Michigan will need an ICE presence because the state will enforce the law, a softer tone than his earlier pledge to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The candidates clashed over data centers, each accusing the other of profiting from them. James said he supports no new data centers until there is a plan to protect communities and that local governments must have control. Benson said she wants guardrails that protect water and make sure data centers cover the cost of the energy they use.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Trump carried Michigan by just over 1 percentage point in 2024. Benson and James are scheduled to debate again Oct. 15.