Michigan voters will hear from the candidates vying to lead the state as its next governor as Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee, joins U.S. Rep. John James, Republicans' pick, on the debate stage at the WOOD-TV studio in Grand Rapids.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits. The Michigan race is one of several competitive gubernatorial races across the United States.
While Benson and James, of Shelby Township, made separate appearances at a Detroit Economic Club candidate forum in September, their Tuesday, Oct. 6 meeting marks the first televised debate between the two candidates for governor.
The Detroit Free Press will provide live coverage. Check here for updates:
How to tune into Benson-James WOOD-TV debate
05:10 PM ET, October 6 2026, Clara HendricksonThe debate between
Benson and James will take place at 7 p.m. and is scheduled to last for one hour.
The debate will air on WOOD-TV8, WOOD TV+, WLNS in Lansing, WWJ-TV CBS Detroit, WJRT in Flint, WWTV/ WWUP/ WFUP in Traverse City, WBUP in Marquette and WBKB in Alpena. It also can be watched online at woodtv.com.
Before the debate, WOOD TV+ and woodtv.com will provide coverage of the candidates starting at 6:30 p.m. And after the debate, the station and its website will also offer coverage of candidates in the spin room.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Benson, James face off in first TV debate in Michigan governor's race
