Rep. John James (R-MI) announced on Monday that he is running for governor of Michigan, launching a campaign in what is expected to be a competitive 2026 race.
James announced in a post to X that Michigan lacks “strong, competed leadership” and leaned on his experience running an automotive business in the state and in the military.
“I don’t leave people behind — and I won’t start now,” James said. “It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense.”
The launch follows months of speculation that James would seek a bid for Michigan’s open governor seat, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) will term out. Earlier in 2025, eyes were on the Michigan Republican to see if he’d run for the open Senate seat after Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) announced he wouldn’t seek reelection.
There is already a crowded field for the…
