Rep. John James (R-Mich.) announced Monday that he plans to run for Governor in Michigan to replace Gretchen Whitmer. Whitmer’s term is up in 2026.
James lost to Democrat Senator Debbie Stabenow and Democrat Senator Gary Peters before winning a seat in the 10th Congressional District of his state in 2022.
James stated that his decision was made after a lot of reflection, prayer, and discussions with his wife and children. The statement, titled Dear Michigan Family, appeared on X Monday. “We’ll soon have rallies and balloons — but before that, I want you to know why I am doing this.”
“Our state has suffered enough. Michigan is strong. Our people are very strong. We are held back by the lack of competent, strong leadership with experience in areas Michiganders most need.”
“Michigan’s radical and out-of-touch policies have hurt families, communities, and the economy for seven years. Since NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement), we have lost nearly a third of our industrial base. That’s unacceptable.”
James is a staunch ally of Donald Trump who has endorsed him for both his Senate run and congressional campaign in 2022. James won the 2022 election to Congress by only 1,601 votes. In 2024, he improved this margin, beating Carl Marlinga with 45% to 51.1%.
James said, “It is time for Michigan’s government to stop living in fantasy and return to common sense. President Trump has been by my side through thick and thin over the past eight years. There’s no reason to think that this will change now. He’s doing what he can to Make America Great Again, and I will do my part to bring prosperity and sanity to Michigan.”
According to The Detroit News, three Republican candidates have formed committees to run for Governor: former Attorney-General Mike Cox, state Senate Minority leader Aric Nesbitt, and former U.S. House Candidate Anthony Hudson. The Detroit News reports that three Democrat candidates have also formed committees, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lt. Governor. Garlin Gilchrist, Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov.
Republican Tudor Dixon, who lost the race for 2022 governor to Whitmer, is reportedly considering running for governor or the U.S. Senate position left vacant after Peters decided not to seek reelection.
James’ House Seat is located in a district that is considered to be a swing one. This means it could potentially become contested by Democrats in 2026. Cook Political Report labels James’ vacant seat as “Leans Republican.”
Zach Bannon, a spokesman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told The Detroit News that the party was “well-positioned” to hold Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, as it retained and grew its majority in Congress.
Bannon stated that Michiganders will reject the radical, out-of-touch Democrats’ agenda in 2024 and again in 2026.
