Capitol News

John James, a Republican congressman, did not attend the second GOP gubernatorial primary debate held in Roseville, which is within his own congressional district. This marks the second consecutive debate he has missed; he also skipped the first debate in Sparta. During that event, fellow candidates Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt criticized James for his absence, even using milk cartons with his image labeled as missing. Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad also expressed disappointment over James' decision not to participate.

James has faced criticism for avoiding debates and questions regarding his vote to cut Medicaid and his refusal to support expanding health care subsidies aimed at lowering costs. The current GOP-led Congress remains on break without addressing ongoing issues such as the government shutdown or releasing documents related to the Epstein case.

James’ campaign has received negative attention from some Michigan Republicans, who have described it as “adrift,” “sloppy,” and “inexperienced.” In September, James did not attend a Republican candidate forum on Mackinac Island and subsequently placed fourth in a straw poll.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel commented on James’ absence: “Just like he’s refused to host a town hall for his constituents or answer questions on his vote to gut Medicaid, John James now can’t even bring himself to appear on the debate stage in his own district. This isn’t just a major embarrassment for James, but it’s humiliating for Jim Runestad and the Michigan Republican Party.

“While John James cowers at home, the rest of the Republican field will undoubtedly race to the right on stage and trumpet Donald Trump’s catastrophic agenda of raising health care prices, shuttering rural hospitals, and denying food to families. With less than a year to go until the 2026 election, the Republican primary for governor is only getting messier—and whoever ultimately emerges from this chaos will be wildly out-of-touch and too extreme for Michiganders.”