John James Made His Running Mate Pick. What Does It Mean for Benson?

John James has chosen his running mate and the decision could offer an early clue about how Michigan’s race for governor will unfold. State Rep. Jay DeBoyer joins the Republican ticket with legislative experience, strong ties to the GOP base and a history of publicly challenging Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. Why DeBoyer? What does his selection signal about the campaign ahead? And will Michigan voters be moved by political attacks or by pocketbook issues like affordability, utility bills and the growing debate over data centers? The stakes extend beyond the governor’s race. Michigan’s political battle is intensifying ahead of November as Democrats and Republicans fight to define their candidates, energize voters and control the issues that could decide the election. Also examined: • Why John James chose Jay DeBoyer • What the pick could mean for Jocelyn Benson • Whether Republicans have an enthusiasm problem • The issues that could actually move Michigan voters • The political fight surrounding Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers • What the primary results could signal heading into November State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the conversation as Michigan’s general election takes shape. 🔔 Subscribe now for weekly episodes that cut through the noise and put your questions front and center:    / @wkarnews   WKAR and PBS are nonprofit, non-commercial public media. We serve the public, not shareholders, by providing free, trusted, educational content that strengthens communities and democracy. WKAR Social Channels Facebook:   / wkarofficial   Instagram:   / wkarofficial   Website: https://www.wkar.org/ 👉 Donate to WKAR today! https://www.wkar.org/otr #michiganpolitics #Election2026 #Michigan