Michigan gubernatorial candidate Rep. John James (R) participated in a panel with House Majority leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and other GOP officials on the economy. Rep. Scalise spoke against the rise of progressives in the Democratic party, including U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI). He said that "there has never been a bigger difference between the two parties." The event was followed by questions from the press where Rep. James spoke against those that oppose The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and emphasized his belief that Iran could never have a nuclear weapon. Rep. James would face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) in the general election which the nonpartisan Cook Political Reports rated as "Leans Democratic."