As they compete to be Michigan’s next governor, Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James have criticized each other’s record and each accused the other of ties to the data center industry.

You’ve seen the ads, the debates, the speeches. What are the facts? 

Bridge Michigan reporters have spent months fact-checking and researching the context behind claims by both governor candidates, their supporters and critics. Here’s what we found:

Jocelyn Benson

Fact check: What Jocelyn Benson really said about Trump’s tax bill

Fact check: Did Jocelyn Benson ‘ignore’ laws, lose election lawsuits?

Fact check: Jocelyn Benson’s family ties to Saline data center

Fact check: No evidence Jocelyn Benson targeted conservative petitions

Fact check: Republicans tie Jocelyn Benson to criminal case involving KKK

John James

Fact check: John James bought second home, but no evidence he left his district

Fact check: Mike Rogers, John James shift positions on Iran war

Fact check: John James’ link to data center tax breaks, donations

Fact check: Democrats claim John James has used Congress to enrich himself

Fact check: Did John James vote to increase health costs for Michiganders?

Debates

Fact check: John James, Jocelyn Benson debate data centers, tariffs, more

Fact check: John James, Jocelyn Benson trade claims in Michigan governor debate

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