Great Lakes Wire

U.S. Representative John James has officially announced his candidacy for the Michigan Governor's seat in the upcoming 2026 election. The Republican representative from Shelby Township made his intentions known via social media on Monday.

James stated that the decision to run came after "deep reflection, prayer and conversations with my wife and children." He was clear that his campaign rallies would be scheduled later and outlined his motivation to run. He emphasized the need for leadership with practical experience, stating, "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."

This marks James' third statewide campaign, following two unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate. He succeeded in securing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 and was reelected in 2024. Before entering politics, James served as president of a supply-chain management company and CEO of a logistics services company in Detroit.

Democrats reacted swiftly to his announcement, criticizing James for evading constituent engagement and accusing him of avoiding town halls during his second term. Curtis Hertel, Michigan Democratic Party Chair, stated, "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." Hertel further questioned James' capacity to govern, citing his past failures in statewide elections and alignment with forming policies that benefit the wealthy.

Prior to his political career, James had served in the U.S. military, including participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom combat operations.

Polling data from January placed James ahead in a possible Republican governor primary. However, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, the first Republican to declare his candidacy, is polling similarly according to a March survey. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is entering the race as an independent, while the Democratic candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

This article was provided by MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter.