The Michigan Republican Party has announced the second official Gubernatorial Debate Forum of the 2026 election cycle will be held in Macomb County at the Athena Banquet Center in Roseville. The debate will focus on issues that matter most to Michigan families—economic growth, public safety, education, and the preservation of our freedoms. This pivotal evening will set the tone for the months ahead, giving voters a direct look at the ideas, policies, and leadership that will shape our state’s future.

Three debates in total comprise the series to be conducted this fall in three counties located in the southwest, southeast and northern areas of the state: Kent County, Macomb County and Grand Traverse County. Voters across the state will have an opportunity to hear directly from Republican candidates vying to be Michigan’s next governor.

The series kicks off in Kent County, Wed., Oct. 29, followed by the Macomb County debate Tues., Nov. 4, at the Athena Banquet Center in Roseville. Moderating the Roseville debate are The Detroit News Assistant Editorial Page Editor, Kaitlyn Buss, and Tom Jordan, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Waterford and host of WMUZ’s The Tom Jordan Show. Invited are current Republican gubernatorial candidates, including Mike Cox, Anthony Hudson, Congressman John James, Tom Leonard, Senator Aric Nesbitt, Ralph Rebant, and Karla Wagner. The third debate will be held in Grand Traverse County Thurs., Nov. 20.

Doors open Tues., Nov. 4 in Roseville at 6 p.m. with the debate beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at bit.ly/4pRI8r5. Vendor tables and sponsorships are available at the same link. For more details contact Jessica@mi.gop, call 517-400-1467 or visit mi.gop.

Don’t miss this historic event, where citizens can engage, candidates can be heard, and the path to victory in 2026 begins.