Capitol News

John James, a Republican candidate for Michigan governor, did not attend the first GOP primary debate hosted by the Michigan Republican Party. His absence was noted by both his opponents and party officials during the event.

Republican candidate Aric Nesbitt’s campaign brought milk cartons with James’ face and “MISSING” written on them to highlight his absence. In a fundraising email before the debate, Nesbitt stated that “conservatives across our state deserve to know where their Governor candidates stand, but John James is dodging tonight’s debate — yet again refusing to confront voters and provide his vision for Michigan,” according to MLive.

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman commented on James’ decision not to participate: “We’re running out of popcorn watching John James embarrass himself on such a regular basis. James won’t show up to debate, he won’t answer questions on his vote to gut Medicaid, and he steps on a rake any time he tries to do anything, even violating congressional ethics rules. The next Republican primary debate is in James’ district, but just like he’s been a no-show for his constituents, James won’t show up for that debate either. The Republican primary for governor is chaotic and wide-open—and only getting messier and more extreme.”

James’ campaign released an advertisement online following criticism over his absence; however, MIRS News reported that AdImpact has no record of funds being spent by the campaign to air this ad on television.

During the debate coverage, Bridge Michigan quoted Nesbitt saying: “‘We’re still waiting to hear where John James is actually on a lot of these issues,’ Nesbitt said to some applause. ‘It’d really be nice if the other candidate was here and actually answer some questions.’”

Detroit News reported that Michigan GOP Chair Jim Runestad addressed questions about James missing the event: “I think the debates are a good thing, and hopefully he’ll want to participate at some point.”

Former Attorney General Mike Cox also criticized James at the event. According to Detroit Free Press: “Former Attorney General Mike Cox also went after James for not attending the debate, saying James is ‘abandoning President Trump’s majority in the House’ by running for governor.”

The next Republican gubernatorial primary debate will take place in John James’ congressional district.