SHELBY TOWNSHIP – U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township), has announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election.  He joins a growing list of contenders aiming to succeed the term-limited Gov. Whitmer.

James was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He previously ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, losing to Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, respectively.

In a statement posted on social media, James — once described by President Trump as a “rising star in the Republican Party” — said he chose to run for governor instead of seeking re-election in the swing 10th District “after deep thought, prayer and conversations with my wife and children.”

He added that Michigan has “suffered enough… due to a lack of strong, competent leadership and practical experience in the areas residents need most.” He pointed to his background as a former automotive executive and U.S. Army veteran.

“It’s time to bring Michigan’s government back from fantasy to common sense,” James, 43, said, reaffirming his alliance with Trump. “President Trump and I have stood by each other through good times and bad for eight years, and there’s no reason for that to change now.”

He added that while Trump is, “doing his part to make America great again, I will do mine to bring prosperity and sanity back to Michigan.”

Clockwise from top left, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbit and U.S. Rep. John James have all announced campaigns for governor in 2026. – File photos

Political analysts say James is heavily relying on Trump’s endorsement to secure victory in the Aug. 5, 2026 Republican primary, ahead of the Nov. 4 general gubernatorial election.

However, Trump’s support for James — the only Black Republican from Michigan in Congress — is not guaranteed. James’ decision to vacate his congressional seat could offer Democrats an opportunity to flip the closely contested district, potentially costing the GOP its House majority. The Republican field remains open and may include other Trump allies, such as Tudor Dixon, who lost to Whitmer in 2022 by more than 10 percentage points and has recently formed an exploratory committee for a potential run.

On the Republican side, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt was the first to announce a bid for governor on Jan. 14. Other Republicans exploring runs include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and former U.S. House candidate Anthony Hudson.

On the Democratic side, three candidates have already made their announcements: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her candidacy on Jan. 22; Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his on Feb. 6 and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist announced on March 11.

In December, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced that he will seek the election for governor as an independent candidate. Duggan has served as mayor of Michigan’s largest city since 2014. Prior to being mayor, Duggan served as CEO of the Detroit Medical Center for nearly a decade.