A new leader and military veteran has emerged to succeed the term-limited governor Gretchen Whitmer, adding his name to the list of candidates in the Michigan governor’s race.
On Monday, Trump supporter, Republican Rep. John James announced his candidacy for governor, marking him as the latest GOP contender entering the primary.
“I am running for Michigan’s great governor,” James stated in a post on X.
James joins state Senate Republican leader Arik Nesbitt as the latest significant Republican to enter the Governor Primary. The Hill reported. Meanwhile, Democratic primary candidates include Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.
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On July 15th, 2024, after addressing the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michigan’s representative John James waved. (Angelawice)
“Faith and family. God and country. Serve before self. Michigan first,” James wrote in his announcement.
James stated “our state has endured enough,” and is constrained by a “deficiency of strong and capable leadership.”
“For the past seven years, Michigan has been ruled by radical, out-of-touch policies that have harmed our families, communities, and economy,” James articulated regarding his motivation to run for governor.
James claimed the state has lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“Now is the moment to take Michigan’s government out of Fantastisland and restore common sense,” James declared.
“President Trump and I have been in each other’s corners for eight years, through good times and bad. He is once again playing his role in making America great. I will do my part to restore prosperity and reason to Michigan,” James vowed.
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Michigan Republican Senate candidate John James will address the great American rally at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan on December 18, 2019. (Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP
James was first elected to Congress in 2022, becoming a member of Michigan’s first Black Republican Congress and representing the state’s 10th Congressional District.
If elected, James will also make history as Michigan’s first black governor.
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District 10 Republican candidate John James will deliver remarks on October 1, 2022 during President Donald Trump’s Save America Rally at Macomb County Community College Sports and Expo Center in Warren, Michigan. (Jeff Kowalski/AFP via Getty Images)
He previously ran twice for the Senate, losing to Democrat Debbie Stabenow in 2018 and Democrat Sen. Gary Peters in 2020.
“Make Michigan great again,” James proclaimed in a past post on X, sharing a video featuring 47 quick responses regarding Flint, Michigan.
James served as a Ranger-qualified Air Officer during eight years of active service. According to information from his district website.
Zach Bannon, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, mentioned that James’ announcement was positive news for Republicans regarding ongoing growth in Congress.
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“Republicans are well positioned to maintain Michigan’s 10th Congressional District as we uphold and expand our majority in Congress. Michigan rejected the radical agenda of the Democrats in 2024, and we will do so again in 2026.”
Bannon highlighted that both President Trump and Rep. James won Michigan’s 10th District in 2024 by over 6%.
Stepheny Price is a contributor for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She reports on topics such as missing persons, homicide, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and suggestions can be sent to [email protected]
