The two Republican candidates in the race for U.S. Senate will debate for the first time Friday.

Grosse Pointe businessman and economist Sandy Pensler and Detroit businessman and veteran John James will appear on the show Off the Record hosted by senior capitol correspondent Tim Skubick for a no-rules debate format.

The debate will be recorded between 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Friday and livestreamed on WKAR's website and Facebook page.

The debate will also air several times on public broadcasting stations across Michigan over the weekend - in mid-Michigan, the debate will air on WKAR-TV 8:30 p.m. July 6, 11 a.m. Sunday July 8 and 11:30 p.m. Sunday July 8.

Pensler and James are competing to run against Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who was first elected to the seat in 2000.

James served as a U.S. Army captain during the Iraq War. He returned to Michigan to work in the family business, James Group International, which was founded by his father.

Pensler is the president and founder of Pensler Capital and previously taught economics at Harvard and Yale.

Michigan's primary election is Tuesday, August 7. Prospective voters must register by July 9 to cast a ballot.