Overview
- Six of seven Republican candidates debated in Sparta on Oct. 29, opening a three-debate series in the 2026 governor race.
- Most candidates backed eliminating either the state income tax or property tax, with one participant opposing an income tax cut but supporting a property tax repeal.
- Participants expressed support for President Donald Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard, including to the southern border.
- Several candidates called for overhauling state economic development policy by reworking or eliminating the MEDC and restricting business with Chinese entities.
- U.S. Rep. John James skipped the event as he released a campaign ad, and two more GOP debates are scheduled for Nov. 4 in Roseville and Nov. 20 in Traverse City.