Rep. John James announces run for governor in Michigan

U.S. Rep. John James (R-MI) announced his candidacy for governor in Michigan on Monday. James is looking to become the Great Lake State’s next governor, with incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) ineligible to seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits. He would become the state’s first Black governor if elected. Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger pointed out that James may have violated federal finance laws by making the announcement on his U.S. House campaign website. “It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense,” James said in his statement. “President Trump and I have been in each other’s corner through thick and thin for eight years — no reason that will end now.” “He’s doing his part to Make America Great Again, and I’ll do mine to bring prosperity and sanity back to Michigan.”

An observation about the John James announcement for governor this afternoon: He posted the governor announcement (which falls under state campaign finance laws) on his U.S. House campaign website (which falls under federal campaign finance laws): pic.twitter.com/sN7tvkEyDw

— Craig Mauger (@CraigDMauger) April 7, 2025

James, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has recently come under fire for refusing to hold a town hall. This prompted national and local Democrats to hold public speaking events in James’ district on March 29 to address potential Medicaid and NIH cuts, which James has supported through his voting record. Trump endorsed James’ failed runs for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, when he lost to Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D) and Gary Peters (D), respectively. Trump also considered James to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2018. James’ 2022 U.S. House campaign was partially funded by the same fake electors who attempted to overturn Michigan’s 2020 elections results for Trump. James has previously taken positions like repealing the Affordable Care Act, defunding Planned Parenthood and extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that benefited the rich.