Benson Declines Debate Invite, Leaving Swanson to Face Questions Alone

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will not participate in Thursday's Democratic gubernatorial primary debate, leaving her only primary opponent, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, to answer questions on his own.

The decision means Muskegon voters who tune into Fox 2 Detroit will hear only one side of the Democratic primary debate on Thursday night. Benson is widely considered the heavy favorite to win the August 4 primary and eventually the Democratic nomination for governor.

A spokeswoman for Benson said the secretary of state has a scheduled event with educators in Detroit that conflicts with the debate.

"The secretary has participated in dozens of interviews with local and statewide reporters this year and remains committed to engaging with both the press and voters about her vision for Michigan," said Alyssa Bradley, Benson's campaign spokeswoman.

Swanson Plans to Show Up

Swanson, the Genesee County Sheriff from Fenton, said he still plans to appear at the debate.

"I've traveled 84,000 miles around our state trying to reach as many people as I can," Swanson said. "This debate gives more people a chance to hear where we stand and how we answer their questions."

Fox 2 Detroit anchor Roop Raj will moderate the debate. The station has scheduled an hour-long event with 30 minutes aired on television and 30 minutes streamed online.

Raj has previously said the debates will proceed regardless of which candidates choose to participate.

A Pattern of Debate Declines

This is not the first time Benson has declined a debate invitation. She also skipped a gubernatorial forum at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference last week, where she would have faced Republican U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township.

Benson has participated in forums organized by the Michigan Education Association and the United Auto Workers, according to the Detroit News.

What It Means for Muskegon Voters

Muskegon County is part of a competitive swing state heading into November's general election. The August 4 primary will determine which Democrat challenges the Republican nominee for governor.

With Benson's lead in the Democratic primary appearing insurmountable, her decision to skip debates raises questions about how she plans to engage with voters across West Michigan, including Muskegon, as the primary approaches.

The Republican gubernatorial primary debate is scheduled for July 8. Fox 2 has also set a Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate for July 27.

James has three GOP primary opponents in the race for governor.

Reporting by James Thornton for Michigan Capitol.