U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) has not committed to next week's Oakland County GOP gubernatorial debate, raising questions about his strategy in a still-fluid primary.

Why it matters: The Oakland County debate is an early test for GOP candidates in one of the state's most important regions — and a chance to shape the primary as the field solidifies after today's filing deadline.

State of play: Oakland County Republican Party leaders say James' participation is "in limbo," despite prior negotiations with his campaign over debate timing and the fundraising threshold for candidates to qualify.

What they're saying: Candidates with clear leads sometimes skip debates, but this GOP primary is not settled, Oakland County GOP senior adviser Brian Szmytke tells Axios.

• "Given how open this primary still is, I think it's a very interesting choice to make at this point."

Between the lines: Skipping the debate could carry risks, says GOP consultant Jamie Roe, who is not working with any of the gubernatorial candidates.

• "I think it's a mistake. I don't understand why you don't want to appear on stage with the other candidates up for the nomination," he says, adding that James' absence will give the other candidates "free rein with no ability to defend yourself."

Zoom out: The 2026 governor's race is wide open, with no incumbent and competitive primaries on both sides.

• James and businessman Perry Johnson are the leading Republican contenders, while Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tops the Democratic field and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is mounting an unusual independent bid.

The intrigue: The debate's promotional flyer lists six candidates, including James, but he's the only one shown with question marks over his face.

• All other invited candidates have confirmed they will attend, Szmytke says, and a podium will be set for James either way.

The other side: The James campaign did not respond to multiple Axios requests for comment.

• "He will consider primary debates once the field is set. He looks forward to debating then," spokesperson Hannah Osantowske posted on X earlier this month.

The latest: James submitted more than 30,000 petition signatures in Lansing yesterday to qualify for the Aug. 4 primary ballot.

What's next: The April 30 debate is 7-8pm in Auburn Hills, moderated by media members including Charlie LeDuff and Kaitlyn Buss.

• Fox 2 and WWJ Newsradio 950 are broadcasting.

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Meanwhile, Michigan Democrats are focused on the contentious fall midterms after a record-turnout endorsement convention Sunday reflected both internal divisions and hopes of unity.

Why it matters: Progressive candidates won out in top races during the 7,200-attendee event at Huntington Place, highlighting disagreement on subjects like the war in Gaza, per the News.

• The high attendance is proof of energy and enthusiasm, with Democrats finding common ground fighting for average working families and against President Trump, Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel Jr. tells Axios.

How it works: Party members selected statewide Democratic candidates — excluding governor and U.S. Senate, which are chosen by primary voters — to face off against Republicans in the November election.

• Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist won the secretary of state nomination.
• Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit won attorney general.
• Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood received endorsements for reelection to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Last month, state Republicans chose Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini for secretary of state and Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd for attorney general.

The big picture: The Democratic convention reflected a wider divide in Michigan and nationally between progressives and moderates, including over the war in Gaza.

• Progressive Caucus-backed candidates like Savit and Gilchrist secured key wins.
• Some pro-Israel candidates, including Senate hopeful U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, received boos, according to the Michigan Chronicle.

Between the lines: There's a looming identity crisis over what the national party's aligned governing vision is — outside of anti-Trump messaging.

• At the same time, Democrats see an opening against Republicans contending with voter dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the economy and Iran.

What they're saying: "There's a healthy energy around real change … and it's gotten to the point now where they're no longer trusting the party [leadership] to make that change," James Johnson, political director for working class grassroots group Detroit Action, tells Axios.

• "For the midterms, if we really want to have true success as a Democratic Party, the conversation has to broaden."

Hertel tells Axios: "The Democratic Party has always been a wide coalition. … I think the coalition will come together to defeat what's happening in this country."

Read the full story, with more from Johnson and Hertel

🛋️ IKEA, which has one Michigan location in Canton, will open a pop-up this summer at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. (WDIV)

🛣️ Michigan Democrats launched a Detroit billboard campaign against gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan over potentially contaminated dirt used by contractors at demolition sites while he was mayor. (MLive)

🪧 The late Rev. JoAnn Watson, a renowned activist and former City Council member, got an honorary secondary street sign in her name. (BridgeDetroit)

Beef supplies are shrinking, imports are rising and prices are stuck near record highs — with little relief in sight.

Why it matters: The all-American hamburger is becoming a luxury item, nudging consumers toward cheaper proteins like chicken and pork.

The latest: U.S. beef production is forecast to fall again in 2026, to about 25.79 billion pounds, according to a new USDA outlook.

• Prices are holding near record levels, with cattle expected to average roughly $241 per hundredweight this year — about 8% higher than 2025, per USDA estimates.
• Ground beef averaged about $6.70 per pound in March for U.S. shoppers, roughly 16% higher than a year earlier.

Go deeper: We're leaning more on imported beef