The Detroit Economic Club hosted a high-profile town hall that brought together the two leading contenders for Michigan’s next governor. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson appeared in person, while Republican U.S. Representative John James joined remotely from Washington, D.C., after a last-minute congressional commitment. Both candidates faced a series of questions on how to shield the state’s economy from the ongoing trade tensions with Canada, how to ease the tax load on households and businesses, and how to regulate emerging issues such as data centers and artificial intelligence.
Moderator Jason Colthorp opened the exchange by asking each candidate to quantify the impact of recent tariff actions on ordinary Michigan families. Benson cited a recent analysis indicating that the cumulative cost of presidential executive-order tariffs has reached roughly $5,600 per household a figure that she attributes primarily to higher prices for cars and trucks. She framed the issue as a direct consequence of the federal administration’s “bad economic policies” and pledged to confront the president if needed.
Tariff controversy and Michigan households
James acknowledged the strain on Michigan’s auto-dependent supply chain but shifted responsibility toward the Canadian side, asserting that “Canada walked away from the table.” He emphasized that he has already warned the Trump administration that Michigan will not be treated as “collateral damage” in any further negotiations. To counteract the cost pressure, James said he plans to introduce a bill that would redirect tariff revenue into subsidies aimed at lowering production expenses, preventing layoffs, and limiting the amount of costs transferred to consumers.
Both candidates agreed that the trade dispute threatens a sector that accounts for nearly 40 % of the state’s total exports. In 2025, Canada imported $23.2 billion worth of Michigan goods, underscoring how quickly border friction can ripple through local factories, dealerships, and suppliers.
Proposals for business growth and tax reform
Benson’s economic vision centers on empowering small enterprises. She suggested establishing a dedicated agency to streamline licensing, permitting and financing, turning government from a “piggy bank” into a “helping hand.” Her plan also includes a comprehensive overhaul of the state tax code targeting cuts for the middle class and a wholesale review of existing statutes to eliminate inefficiencies.
James, on the other hand, framed his approach as a fiscal-conservatism clean-up. He pledged to slash what he labeled “pork spending” in Lansing, while proposing reductions to both personal income and corporate tax rates. Additionally, James promised a ten-year audit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other pandemic-era expenditures, aiming to root out waste and redirect funds toward growth-oriented initiatives.
Data centers, AI and local control
The conversation shifted to the burgeoning data-center industry, which has become a flashpoint in the election. Benson announced a moratorium on new facilities until the state can guarantee that utilities remain affordable, water resources stay protected, and the projects generate union-crafted, well-paying jobs. She also called for the elimination of bipartisan tax breaks that currently incentivize data-center development.
James echoed the call for a pause but framed it as a matter of “local control” and environmental safeguards rather than outright bans. Both candidates agreed that municipalities should decide whether a data center can be sited within their borders. When asked about artificial intelligence, Benson advocated expanding disclosure laws to prevent misuse in political ads, while James proposed prohibitions on invasive surveillance, algorithmic wage theft, and production quotas that jeopardize worker safety.
Campaign dynamics and the road to Election Day
With less than 50 days remaining before the November ballot, the candidates are racing to win over the business community. Major organizations such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Regional Chamber have yet to endorse a side, reflecting the tightrope each candidate walks between fiscal responsibility and growth-driven incentives. Business leader Ben Maibach III expressed frustration with both parties, noting Michigan’s slide to 45th in education and 43rd in economic rankings.
Financial disclosures show Benson entering September with a $5.9 million war chest, dwarfing James’s $1.5 million fund. James is relying heavily on independent conservative PACs to narrow the gap. As absentee ballots are prepared for distribution next week, the Detroit Economic Club forum may prove pivotal in shaping voter perceptions of each candidate’s ability to navigate trade wars, tax policy and the evolving tech landscape.
