Republican Representative John James of Michigan is emerging as a frontrunner in the state's 2026 Republican primary for governor, according to a campaign memo obtained by the Daily Caller.
James, an Iraq War veteran and former executive at James Group International, declared his candidacy for the gubernatorial race in April, signaling his continued commitment to public service.
As reported by the Daily Caller, a poll conducted between August 18 and 21 surveyed 400 residents of Michigan, asking them to choose their preferred candidate if the Republican primary were held today. James led the field with 55% of the vote, while 33% of respondents remained undecided.
Other candidates in the race include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, and former Speaker of the Michigan House Tom Leonard, who garnered 7%, 3%, and 1% of the vote, respectively. The poll further revealed that 62% of participants viewed James favorably, with only 6% expressing an unfavorable opinion.
This favorable perception of James aligns with the poll's findings on President Donald Trump, who enjoys a 91% favorability rating among respondents, with a mere 5% viewing him unfavorably. The strong support for both James and President Trump underscores the enduring appeal of conservative values in Michigan, a state that has become a political battleground in recent years.
James is no stranger to the campaign trail, having previously run for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, where he faced narrow defeats. However, his perseverance paid off when he was elected in 2022 to represent Michigan's 10th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The upcoming gubernatorial election in November 2026 presents another opportunity for James to advance his political career, especially with current Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer being term-limited.
Michigan's political landscape has been shifting, with many counties leaning more Republican in recent elections. This trend bodes well for James, who has emphasized the importance of securing victories for the conservative agenda. "Winning matters. And we have to start winning again in Michigan," James stated in an interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation.
He further asserted, "The best chance we have to protect President Trumps America First agenda is having a strong top of ticket in the state of Michigan."
As the race for Michigan's governorship heats up, James's candidacy represents a significant opportunity for Republicans to consolidate their influence in a key swing state. With his military background, business acumen, and political experience, James is poised to be a formidable contender in the 2026 election.
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