A closer look at the race for Michigan's next governor

LANSING, Mich. -- The race for Michigan's next governor is at its boiling point.

Five candidates are on the ballot, but according to polls, it will come down to a battle between the current Secretary of State Democrat Jocelyn Benson and the tenth District US Congressman Republican John James.

Also on the ballot are Libertarian candidate Anthony Hudson, US Taxpayers candidate Donna Bradenburg, and Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell.

At the heart of this race to replace Governor Gretchen Whitmer are the issues that matter most to Michigan voters right now; affordability, the war in Iran, education, and data centers to name a few.

The three front-running gubernatorial candidates spoke with ABC57 about how crucial this race is for the future of the Mitten State.

John James

Republican Congressman John James says it's time for a much-needed turnaround in Lansing.

He points to the state's low rankings across the board and the continuation of democrat leadership as the detriment to the future of Michigan.

"After eight years of democrat leadership, we are 42nd in infrastructure, we're 43rd in economy, we're 45th in education," says Rep. James. "According to US News and World Reports, we're 46th overall. That means that 45 states or 90 percent of the country are doing better than Michigan, and I think that's wrong."

James actually speaks less about his political experience in Washington DC when it comes to why he's fit for the job.

He points to his military and business qualifications for real world experience in problem-solving and effective leadership.

"People are desperate for leadership, and people are looking for hope," Rep. James says. "I'm excited to have the skillset to be able to bring it; a combat veteran who understands what it takes to bring people together of different races, colors, and creeds together to accomplish tough missions, a business leader who understands what it takes to actually lower costs and increase wages."

Jocelyn Benson

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says the state's success is determined largely by how far leaders will go to protect their constituents.

It's something she says her opponent John James is unwilling to do now in Washington DC: stand up to President Donald Trump.

"We are in the middle of a battle between the future of our economy and our democracy and it's critical that we elect leaders who will protect both of those things even working with the President when it's required to improve our economy and improve well-paying jobs but being prepared to stand up to him and anyone else," explains Secretary Jocelyn Benson.

As Secretary of State, Benson says she knows just how much state government plays a role in people's everyday lives; from the DMV to the local polling center.

As governor, she wants to find a healthy balance in state government and prioritize showing up when it really matters.

"Especially at the federal level, government is kind of showing up everywhere you don't want it and nowhere where you actually need it," Benson says. "I know how to run government well which is just as important as making sure we're investing in good schools and well-paying jobs because the administration of government really impacts people's day to day lives."

Anthony Hudson

Libertarian candidate Anthony Hudson says he is a prime example of an everyday citizen fighting for a better Michigan for those who will come after him.

He worries about control leaving the hands of the people which would feed into government overreach.

"If we don't stand up and protect the values and what's right for government, then we will lose our freedom," Hudson explains. 'I think Ronald Reagan said it's a generational fight and I'm doing my part for my generation to protect my kid's generation."

Hudons's stint in politics began during the Covid pandemic, when he says Governor Gretchen Whitmer shut down his trucking company for being non-essential.

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one in three Michigan businesses experienced a government-mandated closure in 2020, marking the highest closure rate of any state.

Hudson says he's running so thousands of Michiganders like him are protected from anything like that happening again.

"I said at that very moment, I got to get involved in politics to make a change so that the people of this state, of this country, never get taken advantage of like that again," explains Hudson.