Trump endorses John James in Michigan governor’s race
Rep. John James (R-MI) received a significant endorsement from former President Donald Trump, boosting his prospects in Michigan’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Trump praised James for his military service and respect within Congress, endorsing him with a strong public statement. James, a two-term House member, is competing against other Republican candidates including Perry Johnson, Mike Cox, and Aric nesbitt, and currently leads in polls. His endorsement is notable since Trump typically waits until closer to primaries to endorse and has faced setbacks in recent endorsements in other states.James’s main rival in the primary is Johnson, who polls closely behind him. The winner is anticipated to face Democratic front-runner Jocelyn Benson in the general election. Despite previous challenges, Trump’s support is expected to bolster James’s campaign ahead of the August 4 primary.
Rep. John James (R-MI) earned a coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump on Monday, a surprise announcement that will help cement his front-runner status in Michigan’s GOP primary for governor.
The president praised James, a two-term House member, as a “Highly Respected U.S. Congressman” and highlighted his military service as a combat pilot who served in Iraq.
Recommended Stories
“John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
JOHN JAMES RUN FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNOR FRUSTRATES HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP: ‘IT STINGS’
Trump has backed James through two unsuccessful Senate campaigns and continued to support him as a congressman representing one of Michigan’s battleground districts. But he openly questioned James’s decision to run for governor last summer, musing that he might be leaving the House seat vulnerable in 2026.
“John James, John James,” Trump said at the time. “I don’t know — you know, he’s running for governor, but I’m not sure I’m happy about that.”
The president’s decision to back James again marks a blow to the three other Republicans vying for the nomination, two of whom have come within striking distance in recent polling.
The endorsement also came earlier than expected, as Trump often waits until closer to the primary before settling on a candidate. He’s been dealt two setbacks this month, with his choices for governor in Iowa and Georgia losing their primaries. He appeared on track to suffer the same fate in South Carolina before endorsing a second candidate ahead of Tuesday’s gubernatorial runoff.
Trump has a mixed record with Michigan voters, winning the state twice but losing his 2020 reelection campaign to Joe Biden. Still, his endorsement is expected to shore up James’s support with Republicans and help preserve or expand his polling margin.
James is competing against businessman Perry Johnson, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, and state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt in the Aug. 4 primary. Each of the candidates has promised to align themselves with the president and sought his endorsement.
AIPAC ACCUSES VAN HOLLEN OF FANNING ‘ANTISEMITIC TROPES’ IN NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
As of now, James leads the primary field by 8 points, according to a RealClearPolitics average, but has polled within the margin of error against Johnson and Cox.
The winner of the Republican primary is expected to face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who has a commanding lead in the Democratic primary for governor. A third-party candidate, Mike Duggan, ended his campaign in May.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
