U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) announced Monday on social media that he is running for Michigan Governor in 2026.
James said the decision “comes after deep reflection, prayer and conversations with my wife and children,” and while rallies will come later, he explained his reasoning.
“Our state has suffered long enough,” he wrote. “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.”
It will be the third statewide campaign for James, who twice ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate before winning election to the U.S. House in 2022 and reelection in 2024.
Prior to his public service, James was president of a supply-chain management company and CEO of a Detroit-based logistics services company.
Democrats were quick to paint James as a ladder climber who has dodged holding town halls during his second term in office, in particular.
“Already as a Congressman, John James runs away from his constituents — refusing to hold town halls and seeming to not even live in his own district anymore. Meanwhile, he has already hung Michigan families out to dry by working to gut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel.
“John James has spent his career failing in statewide elections and failing to show up for his own district, so why would we trust him to show up for Michiganders as governor? At a time when Donald Trump is tanking our economy, Michigan needs a leader who won’t just fight for billionaires, but will fight for everyone – John James is not that man.”
The Republican has previously served in the U.S. military, including combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A January poll had James leading a potential GOP governor field.
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) was the first Republican to announce his run for Governor and a March poll showed him and James polling about the same, although others have James up big in a hypothetical GOP primary.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent while the Democratic field has Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Article courtesy MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
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