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All the MI GOP Candidates Doubled Down on Extreme Abortion Bans in Debate Yesterday

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With His Campaign In Shambles, James Craig Pulled Out of Debate At the Last Moment But Supports An Extreme Abortion Ban

In the first debate of the crowded GOP primary, all of the candidates doubled down on their support for Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban, which has no exceptions for rape or incest and would immediately go into effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

When asked directly if they support the law, Tudor Dixon called the ban a “good law.”

Perry Johnson said, “I have to agree with Tudor,” and Kevin Rinke echoed, “Michigan’s law is appropriate.”

James Craig, who has also said he will do “whatever I can” to support the ban, didn’t get to share his extreme stance on the debate stage because he dropped out of the event at the last minute.

Read more about how the Michigan GOP candidates support the state’s dangerous 1931 law criminalizing abortion: 

  • MLive: “All eight candidates voiced support for an abortion ban … Former Detroit police chief James Craig originally committed to participate in the debate; however, his campaign informed MIRS Thursday that he would not be in attendance.”
  • Associated Press: “[The candidates are] all staunchly opposing abortion before the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling is potentially overturned … Both MIRS and the Livingston County GOP said Craig, Detroit’s former police chief, committed to the debate before pulling out.”
  • Bridge MI: “​​Michigan Republican gubernatorial hopefuls found common ground in their first debate on Thursday, vowing to support a potential abortion ban … Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who has led all polls of the GOP field, pulled out of the debate amid petition signature forgery allegations that could keep him off the ballot.

“If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the entire field of Michigan GOP candidates is all in on dragging the state back to a dangerous 1931 law that would criminalize abortion,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton. “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is the only leader who will defend women and their reproductive rights.”

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