SPARTA, Mich. (WOOD) — Six of the seven republican candidates running in Michigan’s 2026 governor race took the stage Wednesday night for the first of three scheduled debates.

Former Attorney General Mike Cox, businessman Anthony Hudson, former House Speaker Tom Leonard, State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, pastor Ralph Rebandt, and Karla Wagner all participated in the event.

One notable absence was Congressman John James, who did not RSVP to attend, a decision that quickly became a talking point among the candidates.

Organizers stated that James did not provide a reason for skipping the debate.

The evening began with questions about Michigan ranking in the bottom for population growth and how to attract new residents. Wagner and Leonard suggested eliminating property taxes to make the state more

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