John James
Republican candidate for Governor / Lt. Governor, Michigan · Open seat
U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th Congressional District; Army veteran and businessman
John James is a Republican U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th Congressional District and a former Army aviation officer. President Trump endorsed him, and he won the August 4, 2026 Republican primary for governor, defeating businessman Perry Johnson and former Attorney General Mike Cox. His running mate for lieutenant governor is Jay DeBoyer, and he faces Democrat Jocelyn Benson and minor-party candidates in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Where James stands
- Education
- Says Michigan's low reading scores and school performance are the top education problem. Wants the governor to have more control over the state's education system so schools can be held accountable.
- Parental rights and school sports
- Supports parental rights in schools and says girls' school sports should be protected. Campaigned with a parent who is suing a school district over classroom displays.
- Taxes and school choice
- Campaigned on an Education Freedom Tax Credit and on repealing the state income tax.
- Economy and cost of living
- Says his campaign focuses on the economy, education, infrastructure and public safety. Argues that families face high costs, including energy prices, and that Michigan needs a change in direction.
- Tariffs and trade
- Says he disagrees with President Trump on tariff policy and has pushed back on the administration's tariffs against Canada.
- Data centers
- Talked about data center development and wants communities to have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.
Background
- U.S. Representative, Michigan's 10th Congressional District (2023–present)
- Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, 2018 and 2020
- U.S. Army aviation officer, Ranger-qualified; combat veteran
- Businessman
- Won the 2026 Republican primary for governor (August 4, 2026)
In the news
- Benson, James clash over health care, Trump, Lansing record in final Michigan governor debate WDIV ClickOnDetroit, October 16, 2026
- GOP governor candidate John James calls for accountability in Michigan's education system Michigan Public, October 12, 2026
- Republican gubernatorial candidate John James campaigns in Holland WOOD TV8, October 10, 2026
- Republican John James seeks some distance from Trump in Michigan governor debate NBC News, October 7, 2026
Also running for Governor / Lt. Governor
- Jocelyn Benson Democratic
- Anthony Hudson Libertarian
- Donna Brandenburg U.S. Taxpayers
- Douglas Campbell Green
Sources
- Michigan Public – James education event (Oct 12, 2026)
- FOX 2 Detroit – Grosse Pointe campaign stop
- WWMT – James wins GOP nomination
- ClickOnDetroit – James accepts nomination
- NBC News – first debate
- Spectrum News – James on key issues
- Bridge Michigan – primary results
- Wikipedia – 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election (running mate)
Last researched October 22, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.