Michigan voters will have a chance to see the next governor outline their vision for the state during the first televised statewide debate on WOOD-TV between Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee, and her Republican rival U.S. Rep. John James on Oct. 6.
Absentee voting already is underway in the race to decide who will replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term limited and can't run again.
James, of Shelby Township, has argued that after eight years under Democratic leadership, voters are ready for a change. On that front, the historical trend favors James. Michigan voters have routinely replaced the outgoing leader of the state with someone from the opposite party.
But headwinds face Republicans. President Donald Trump
— who has endorsed James — contends with low approval ratings, and in a midterm election the president's party typically suffers election losses. And Benson has spent much of her campaign tying James to Trump's agenda.
The Cook Political Report, which analyzes races across the United States, says the Michigan governor's race is competitive but leans toward Benson.
Benson and James previously made separate appearances at a Detroit Economic Club candidate forum in September where they outlined their plans for improving Michigan's economy. Both candidates also have accepted a second debate with WDIV-TV, but details have not been released.
When will the WOOD-TV Michigan governor's debate take place
The debate will take place Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. at the WOOD-TV Grand Rapids studio.
It will last for one hour, and News 8 political reporter Rick Albin and anchor Amber Krycka will ask the candidate questions from viewers, according to the station.
How to watch
The debate will air on WOOD TV8, WOOD TV+, WLNS, WWJ-TV CBS Detroit, WJRT in Flint, WWTV/ WWUP/ WFUP in Traverse City, WBUP in Marquette and WBKB in Alpena. It can also be watched online at woodtv.com.
Following the debate, WOOD TV+ and woodtv.com will offer coverage of the candidates in the spin room.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Voters will hear from Michigan's next governor in upcoming debate
