Overview
- Aric Nesbitt, Perry Johnson, Mike Cox, and Ralph Rebandt took the stage Thursday night in Oakland County in the first debate since the April 21 filing deadline.
- The Oakland County GOP hosted the forum at Visioneering in Auburn Hills, an aerospace and defense plant, after a one-hour manufacturing discussion with industry voices.
- Candidates pressed plans to end Michigan’s income tax, cut red tape, and shift schools toward skilled trades, framing jobs and costs as the core concerns.
- U.S. Rep. John James did not attend, and FOX 2 says he is slated for its first official Republican debate on July 8.
- CBS News Detroit and FOX 2 streamed the event, though their previews conflicted on who would moderate, naming either Jackie Paige or Charlie Langton with the same panelists.