Trump endorses in Michigan's race for governor

Craig Mauger, The Detroit News on Jun 22, 2026

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LANSING, Mich. — President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James on Monday to be Michigan's next governor, providing a significant boost to the Shelby Township Republican's chances in the Aug. 4 primary election.

Trump announced his decisions to support James for governor, Republican Mike Bouchard for the 10th Congressional District and Republican Amir Hassan for the 8th Congressional District in posts on Truth Social, three days before the absentee voting window opens on Thursday in Michigan.

"A West Point Graduate, Combat Pilot, Brave Iraq War Veteran, Successful Businessman and Job Creator, and now, as a Highly Respected U.S. Congressman, John has proven he has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful State, and our Nation," Trump wrote in his social media post.

While James, a second-term congressman and former U.S. Senate candidate, has been a longtime ally of Trump, some Michigan Republicans had contended that Trump wanted James to run for reelection in his battleground U.S. House district instead of for the state's top political office.

Trump's decision tossed water on those arguments. It also likely hampered the campaigns of the three other Republican candidates for governor who had all been promoting their ties to the president.

Former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia, businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills and state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township are the other contenders for the GOP nomination for governor.

Andrea Bitely, a public relations consultant based in Michigan, tweeted Thursday afternoon of Trump's endorsement, "That's how the Michigan GOP gubernatorial primary ended."

Michigan's current governor, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, can't seek reelection because of term limits.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson of Detroit and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson of Fenton are seeking the Democratic nomination.

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