Trump-Endorsed Congressman John James is projected to win the Republican nomination for Michigan’s Gubernatorial race. James currently leads with 50.2% of the vote with 25.8% of total votes reporting. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and former Attorney General Mike Cox were on the ballot, but they dropped out and endorsed James before election day.

After losing the 2020 Michigan U.S. Senate race to Gary Peters by 1.7%, James ran for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District in 2022. He defeated Judge Carl Marlinga by 0.5% in a key victory for congressional Republicans. He had a rematch against Marlinga in 2024 and improved on his margin of victory by 5 points.

On June 22nd, President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of John James for Michigan Governor on Truth Social. President Trump said, “John has proven he has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful State, and our Nation.” After the endorsement, John James took the stage to speak to voters during President Trump’s July 27th visit at GM’s Milford proving grounds.

​Final polling leading up to Tuesday’s primary showdown showed John James with a projected comfortable victory. Mitchell Research polling had James winning by 28%, and Emerson College’s poll showed James winning by 15%.

According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, important issues facing John James on the campaign trail are job growth, data centers, and curbing inflation. Only 41.6% of those polled believe Michigan’s economy is on the right track under Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

Republican nominee John James is set to face off on November 3rd against Democrat nominee and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. 

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