NEW: GOP Congressman Launches Run For Governor
Michigan Republican Congressman John James has officially entered the race for governor, announcing his candidacy Monday in a bold message aimed at restoring “common sense” and economic prosperity to a state he says has suffered under Democratic leadership.
James, a U.S. Army veteran and successful businessman from Detroit, made the announcement on Monday after “deep reflection, prayer, and conversations” with his wife and children.
“Our state has suffered long enough,” James wrote in his statement. “Michigan is strong. Our people are strong. But we are being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership—leadership with real-world experience in the areas Michiganders need most.”
James, who currently represents Michigan’s 10th congressional district, is no stranger to the public eye. Before winning his House seat in 2022, he made two high-profile bids for U.S. Senate, narrowly losing to Democrats Debbie Stabenow in 2018 and Gary Peters in 2020.
He secured re-election to the House in 2024 with a more decisive margin, cementing his status as one of the GOP’s rising stars in Michigan.
A West Point graduate, James served eight years in the Army as an AH-64 Apache pilot with multiple combat tours in Iraq. After leaving the military, he joined his family’s logistics company and quickly rose to lead the business as president and CEO. His background in both the military and private sector has shaped the campaign message he’s now bringing statewide.
“I’ve run a Michigan automotive business that created jobs. I’ve worn the uniform of the United States in combat. I don’t leave people behind—and I won’t start now,” James wrote.
James’s entry into the race shakes up an already growing Republican field to succeed term-limited Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2026. Other GOP contenders include State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and businessman Anthony Hudson. However, James’s strong name recognition, ties to President Donald Trump, and record of near-wins in competitive races make him a formidable contender.
“President Trump and I have been in each other’s corner through thick and thin for eight years—no reason that will end now,” James said. “He’s doing his part to Make America Great Again, and I’ll do mine to bring prosperity and sanity back to Michigan.”
Throughout his announcement, James took aim at Democratic economic policies, blaming them for long-term industrial decline in the state. He cited the loss of over 300,000 manufacturing jobs since NAFTA, calling it “unacceptable.” James also appealed to working-class voters and small business owners frustrated with bureaucratic overreach and rising costs.
“It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense,” he wrote.
James ended his statement with a signature line—“Let’s fly”—a nod to his aviation background and campaign slogan.
The race is expected to draw national attention as Republicans seek to flip the Michigan governor’s mansion for the first time since 2010. James is betting that his record, message, and deep ties to Michigan’s industrial base will fuel a comeback he says is long overdue.
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