Trump endorses John James in Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 22, 2026 | 3:51 pm ET
Description
President Donald Trump gestures during a news conference in the White House briefing room on April 6, 2026. Trump spoke about the successful military mission to rescue a weapons systems officer whose fighter jet was shot down in Iran and possible further military action in Iran. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump has thrown his endorsement to U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) in his bid for Michigan governor.
Trump on Monday endorsed James via his Truth Social media platform.
“John James has my complete and total endorsement to be the next governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
Although Trump has a mixed endorsement record, having endorsed multiple Republicans who did not go on to win their general election races during Trump’s pair of non-consecutive terms, he still commands considerable sway over the Republican Party base and its voters.
James netting Trump’s nod will undoubtedly shake up the race.
Also in the hunt are former Attorney General Mike Cox, businessman Perry Johnson and Michigan Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
James, in a statement, called Trump “the greatest President of my lifetime.”
“Your endorsement is igniting a movement across Michigan, and we are ready to win!” James wrote on X. “Together, we will send Mike Rogers to the United States Senate, protect our Republican held U.S. House seats, and Make Michigan Great Again. Michigan families deserve better than what Jocelyn Benson and Gretchen Whitmer have delivered.”
Lansing, MI
