Army, Navy Veteran Joins Crowded Democratic Field Seeking James' Congressional Seat

Michigan Advance

June 16, 2025

Tripp Adams, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, announced on Monday his intention to join the Democratic Party fray in a bid to replace U.S. Rep. John James.

Adams said in a campaign announcement that the nation is at a crossroads and Michigan’s working families were “tired of politicians in Washington playing games with their health care and threatening Social Security while doing nothing to ease the cost of groceries, housing and prescription drugs.”

“For too long, politicians have ignored the real causes of the cost-of-living crisis – listening to wealthy donors instead of the working families who made southeast Michigan into the ‘Arsenal of Democracy,’” Adams said in a statement. “It’s time that our district had a fighter in Congress again – someone working to lower costs, protect our health care, stand up for our right to organize, safeguard our veterans and their benefits, and make life just a little bit easier for Michiganders struggling to get by.”

James (R-Shelby Township) is currently a declared candidate for governor and said he will not be seeking reelection to his seat representing Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. That could change, however, if James decides to drop out of the Michigan Republican Party gubernatorial hunt and stay in the U.S. House of Representatives, which some have ribbed him about, including President Donald Trump.

Either way, a field of candidates on the Democratic side is stacking up with Adams’ addition.

“In the Army and the Navy, we didn’t fight over politics – we worked together to protect and defend the country we love,” Adams said in his campaign announcement. “I’ve dedicated my life to public service and worked to make our country safer and stronger. I took an oath to protect and defend our country and communities. Now, I’m running because Michiganders deserve a new generation of patriotic leadership that’s committed to delivering results for our families and fixing our broken political system.”

Aside from Adams, the list of Democrats also seeking the seat includes Pontiac Mayor and former state Rep. Tim Greimel, attorney Eric Chung, U.S. Army veteran Alex Hawkins, and former Macomb County special victims prosecutor Christina Hines.

No Republicans have declared their intention to seek James’ seat.

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