Rep. John James (R-Mich.) launched a bid for Michigan governor on Monday, becoming the latest Republican to jump in the primary.
James said in a statement that Michigan is being "held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership" and that the state has been "dominated by radical, out of touch policies."
"It's time to get Michigan's government out of fantasyland and back to common sense," James said. "President Trump and I have been in each other's corner through thick and thin for eight years — no reason that will end now. He's doing his part to make America great again and I'll do mine to bring prosperity and sanity back to Michigan."
James was first elected to Congress in 2022. He unsuccessfully ran for Senate in the state in 2018 and 2020.
He joins the state's Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt (R ) as the latest major Republican to jump into the gubernatorial primary. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are running in the Democratic primary, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.
Republicans will face an uphill climb in Michigan. Democrats saw victories up and down the ballot in 2022, but Republicans say they see an opening in the state, which President Trump narrowly flipped in November.
