Jocelyn Benson Leads Michigan Governor Race Over John James
Democrat Jocelyn Benson holds a significant polling and spending lead over Republican John James three weeks before the Michigan gubernatorial election.
Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson holds a 7 to 8 percentage point lead over Republican John James in the race for Michigan governor three weeks before Election Day. Benson is significantly outspending James, with projected TV advertising expenditures of $23 million compared to James' $1 million.
Following the decision by the Republican Governors Association to withdraw nearly all reserved ad time for his campaign, John James shifted toward a grassroots strategy. This approach focuses on social media and cultural issues, including a proposal to prohibit transgender children from participating in school sports. James claims that voters have tuned out divisive advertising and that his grassroots momentum resonates with the public.
While Benson has already begun detailed transition planning in Lansing, the James campaign's efforts remain nascent. The two candidates are scheduled to meet for their second debate this Thursday in Detroit.
