5/13/22 - 8 Of 10 Candidates Debate In Howell

There are ten candidates that are hoping they will be the one to unseat current Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer later this fall.

HOWELL –A number of Republican candidates are running for Governor of Michigan.

On Thursday, a number of them took part in a candidate’s debate in Howell.

In attendance were candidates Mike Brown, Tudor Dixon, Perry Johnson, Ryan Kelley, Michael Markey Jr., Ralph Rebandt, Kevin Rinke and Garrett Soldano.

Former Detroit police Chief James Craig announced several hours ahead of the forum that he had a "prior commitment" speaking to the Mechanical Contractors Association, and Donna Brandenburg of Byron Center declined an invitation to participate, according to Michigan Information & Research Services.

More than 700 Republicans packed a Howell banquet hall for the Livingston County Republican Party debate, which lasted about two hours.

There was more agreement than disagreement among the eight candidates who participated.

The first question focused on abortion and Roe v. Wade.  All said they were pro-life.  Some believed in exceptions such as for the life of the mother and other cases.

They railed against vaccine mandates.

They also called for the criminal investigation of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for Michigan nursing home deaths arising from the pandemic.

The Primary Election takes place Aug. 2, with the winner facing off against Gov. Whitmer on Nov. 8.