John James Fends Off Attacks in 1st Michigan GOP Debate as Rivals Target Tax and China Claims
Updated
Updated · bridgemi.com · Jul 9
John James Fends Off Attacks in 1st Michigan GOP Debate as Rivals Target Tax and China Claims
3 articles · Updated · bridgemi.com · Jul 9
Summary
Southfield’s first full Michigan Republican gubernatorial debate saw front-runner John James absorb sustained attacks from Mike Cox and Perry Johnson over his business record, past statewide losses and skipped campaign events.
4.25% income-tax cuts became a central clash: James said he could return $3 billion in year one, while Johnson pushed full repeal and a “MEGA audit,” but both men’s savings claims were challenged by fact checks.
Cox also accused James’ family logistics business of importing 920 shipments of auto parts and putting “profits over people,” while James countered that the company mainly exports parts and that he left it before taking office in 2023.
Electability sharpened the contrast heading into the Aug. 4 primary: Cox is the only candidate to have won statewide, James is 2-for-4 in elections and backed by Donald Trump, and Johnson has never made a ballot.
Absentee ballots were mailed late last month, and the candidates meet again Thursday in Grand Rapids before the Republican nominee advances to face the Democratic nominee in November.