The Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate and the Republican candidates for governor will face off in primary debates in July, hosted by Nexstar's WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids).

On Tuesday, July 7, Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official who previously ran for governor, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens will tackle the issues Michigan voters are most concerned with. The candidates are fighting to become the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters, who is retiring.

On Thursday, July 9, the Republican candidates for governor — Mike Cox, a former Michigan attorney general, U.S. Rep. John James, businessman Perry Johnson and state Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt — will go head-to-head in an effort to win over voters for the opportunity to become the Republican gubernatorial nominee. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is term limited.

WOOD TV8 shared results from an April poll by Emerson College Polling for WOOD TV8 showing where the candidates stand at this juncture with voters.

Both debates will be moderated by political reporter Rick Albin and News 8 anchor Amber Krycka. They will air live on WOOD TV8 at 7 p.m. and stream on woodtv.com and on the free WOOD TV+ app.