Republican Rep. John James on Monday launched a bid for Michigan governor, forgoing a reelection campaign to his House seat in a swing district.
The two-term representative and ally of President Donald Trump said in his announcement on social media that he felt compelled to run because Michigan is “being held back by the lack of strong, competent leadership.” He serves on the Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.
“For the past seven years, Michigan has been dominated by radical, out-of-touch policies that have hurt our families, our communities, and our economy,” James said on X, and highlighted his close relationship with Trump. “It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to commonsense.”
James, who — if he wins — would become the state’s first Black governor, enters the primary race with widespread name recognition among Michigan’s Republican electorate. A survey conducted in January by Harbor Public Affairs found James held a commanding lead among possible Republican candidates at more than 40 percent support, with 35 percent undecided.
