John James
U.S. representative running for the 2026 Republican nomination for governor; endorsed by President Trump.
Running for Governor · U.S. representative; endorsed by President Trump.
John James represents a metro-Detroit district in the U.S. House and twice ran statewide for U.S. Senate before entering the governor’s race. He carries President Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary.
We’re expanding this profile as the campaign develops — positions, endorsements, and funding will be added as they can be verified.
The race
Full race guide Seat Governor
Currently held by Gretchen Whitmer — not running again
Term 4 years · term limits: 2 terms (8 years)
The story Open seat — Whitmer is term-limited.
Also in the Republican primary
- Perry Johnson Businessman.
Possible November opponents
- Jocelyn Benson (D) Michigan Secretary of State.
- Chris Swanson (D) Genesee County sheriff.
Candidate profiles are non-endorsements: every candidate in a covered race gets one, and we publish only what we can verify — how we cover races.