MICHIGAN — Republican John James has announced he will abandon his seat in Congress and run for Governor. James, a second term member of Congress, will run his third statewide contest after losing elections for U.S. Senate in 2018 to Senator Debbie Stabenow and in 2020 to Senator Gary Peters.
In his announcement, James said:
“I’m running for Governor of the great state of Michigan. This decision comes after deep reflection, prayer, and conversations with my wife and children. We’ll have the rallies and the balloons soon—but first, I want to share exactly why I’m doing this.
Our state has suffered long enough. 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.
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. We’ve lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs since NAFTA—nearly a third of our industrial base. That’s unacceptable.
I’ve run a Michigan automotive business that created jobs. I’ve worn the uniform of the United States in combat. I don’t leave people behind—and I won’t start now.
It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense. 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.
This won’t be easy. But I believe in you. I believe in Michigan. And I believe that together, we can lead a comeback that starts with you!”
James joins State Senator Aric Nesbitt and other minor candidates seeking the Republican nomination.
