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Where do primary candidates stand on issues?

From left, monochromatic photos of Chris Swanson, Jocelyn Benson, Perry Johnson, Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed are in front of lines. The Democratic candidates have blue lines behind them and the Republican candidate has red lines.
Kalloli Bhatt
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Canva

Gubernatorial Candidates

Michigan Public interviewed three gubernatorial candidates on where they stand on data centers, economic development and mass deportations. Below are their responses.

Note: Michigan Public reached out to Republican Congressman John James for an interview. He has not made himself available.

Data Centers

Data centers have quickly become a big deal in Michigan. People, companies and officials across the state have been embroiled in bitter debates over where they get built.

The next governor will likely have the opportunity to dramatically change Michigan's approach — or continue the current path. We asked the candidates about that.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Scroll down for facts about data centers.

Economic Development

We have seen a lot of debate over what the state should — or should not — do to help attract and keep businesses in Michigan. One major point of contention is the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its taxpayer-funded spending on private businesses.

The next governor may have opportunities to change the MEDC's approach and try new tactics to bring jobs to Michigan. We asked the candidates about that.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about economic development at the bottom.

Facts about economic development
Lester Graham
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Michigan Public
Michigan lawmakers advanced a major overhaul of the state’s brownfield redevelopment program, expanding available tax incentives, adding new transparency rules, and creating a long-term economic development board. The bills passed the Senate with bipartisan support and opposition.

Mass Deportations

Immigration enforcement has dramatically increased under the second Donald Trump administration. Thousands of people living in Michigan have been arrested and hundreds more have been detained here from other states.

The next governor may have opportunities to slow or help the federal government's mass deportation campaign. We asked the candidates about that.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about immigration enforcement at the bottom.

Facts on immigration enforcement
Courtesy of Hector Marin
An asylum-seeking mother returned to Venezuela after months in immigration detention. Just weeks after her husband and children joined her, the region where they were restarting their lives was devastated by two of the worst earthquakes in Latin American history.

U.S. Senate Candidates

Michigan Public interviewed both Democratic candidates on where they stand on immigration, data centers and healthcare. Below are their responses.

Note: Michigan Public reached out to former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is running on the Republican ticket. If he accepts an interview request, we’ll bring you that conversation as well.

Immigration

Immigration enforcement has dramatically increased under the second Donald Trump administration. Thousands of people living in Michigan have been arrested and hundreds more have been detained here from other states.

The next U.S. senator could cast a vote or propose legislation to reshape the federal government's approach.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about immigration enforcement at the bottom.

Jodi Westrick / Michigan Public
In Michigan, immigrants being held inside detention centers often have no idea of when their cases will be resolved. Dozens have been held for over six months and for some it's been closer to a year. Mental health experts say the uncertainty coupled with the prolonged isolation can take a psychological toll, with the effects often growing more severe the longer a person is detained.

Healthcare

Affordable Care Act premiums increased significantly across the country this year. Costs of other health plans are also up, while a lot of people feel like those plans are covering less.

The next U.S. senator could use their vote to change the way you pay for your next doctor's visit.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about healthcare below.

Facts about healthcare
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Between 171,000 and 355,000 Michiganders are projected to lose Medicaid coverage under new work requirements and more frequent eligibility determinations, according to the Urban Institute.

Data Centers

Data centers have quickly become a big deal in Michigan. People, companies and officials across the state have been embroiled in bitter debates over where they get built.

The next U.S. senator will likely have the opportunity to vote on or propose federal regulations for data centers.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about data centers at the bottom.

Facts on data centers
.shock - stock.adobe.com
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As data centers proliferate across the Great Lakes, driven by AI’s soaring demands, communities face a dual reality: economic growth and environmental challenges.

Kalloli Bhatt is a Digital Content Producer. She helps develop and manage digital and social content across the station's platforms.
Large sets of numbers add up to peoples’ stories. As Michigan Public’s Data Reporter, Adam Yahya Rayes seeks to sift through noisy digits to put the individuals and policies that make up our communities into perspective.
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