Republican congressman John James announces Michigan governor bid
James would be the state's first Black governor if elected, but first he has to contend with a crowded primary and a potential three-way general election.
Republican Rep. John James of Michigan is running for governor, he announced Monday, as one of the most pivotal elections on the ballot in 2026 continues to draw big-name politicians.
In a message posted on his social media channels, James lamented Democratic governance in the state and argued that "it's time to get Michigan's government out of fantasyland and back to common sense."
"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," he wrote.
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Ahead of a potentially crowded primary, James signaled he would run as an ally of President Donald Trump, who narrowly won the state in 2016 and 2024 and lost there in 2020.
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