In Lansing, the 2026 Michigan governor race took a fiery turn on social media when Republican candidate John James released a campaign video that accuses Democrat Jocelyn Benson of standing with a “radical left that says America deserved 9/11.” The video, which has amassed more than 203,000 views on X (formerly Twitter), ends with archival footage of the North Tower of the World Trade Center burning.
Responses from Benson and fellow Republicans
Benson quickly rebuked the ad, posting on X, “How dare you, Congressman. My husband enlisted in the Army and put his life on the line for our country after losing his friend, Todd Ouida, in the towers on 9/11. This is a despicable lie to the people of Michigan about what that day means to me and my family, the sacrifices…” She added that she would never “campaign with anyone who says something so reprehensible.”
James replied, urging Benson to “prove me wrong,” and followed with a second post demanding that she “disavow Hasan Piker, disavow the DSA, disavow the terrorist sympathizers who chant death to America and death to Israel right now, disavow those who would burn the flag that I wore into combat…”
Background on the 9/11 comment
The phrase “America deserved 9/11” originated from far‑left social‑media influencer Hasan Piker during a 2019 livestream in which he critiqued Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s remarks on U.S. foreign policy. Piker later clarified that U.S. foreign policy helped create conditions that led to the attacks. He has since been active in Democratic campaigns, including supporting former Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed during the 2022 primaries.
El‑Sayed has publicly rejected Piker’s 2019 comment and distanced himself from the influencer. Nonetheless, Republicans across the state have seized on the remark as political ammunition against any Democrat linked to Piker.
Other Republican voices join the criticism
Former gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon entered the fray, tweeting that Benson is “literally standing with Abdul’s arm around you” and accusing her of failing to condemn Piker’s statement. State Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt also questioned why Benson has not endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over El‑Sayed, suggesting her refusal signals tacit support for the controversial comment.
Implications for the upcoming election
The exchange underscores how 9/11‑related rhetoric is being weaponized in the Michigan governor’s race. Both James and other Republicans are framing the issue as a test of patriotism and respect for the sacrifices of military families, while Democrats argue the attacks are being politicized for partisan gain.
Election Day is set for Nov. 3, and both campaigns are expected to continue using social‑media platforms to rally their bases. Voters in Michigan will see further ads and statements as the race tightens, with each side seeking to define the narrative around national security, historical memory, and the values that guide the state’s future.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
