Republican U.S. Rep. John James Enters MI Governor's Race

MICHIGAN — U.S. Rep. John James R-Shelby Township announced Monday that he is entering Michigan's 2026 governor's race.

"Our state has suffered long enough. Michigan is strong. Our people are strong. But we are being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership," he wrote on social media.

After two failed campaigns for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, James was elected to Washington after a successful House campaign in 2022, when he won a competitive Macomb County race for an open seat. He was then reelected in 2024.

He currently represents Michigan's 10th Congressional District, which includes parts of Macomb and Oakland counties.

If elected, he would be Michigan's first Black governor.

James joins a Republican primary that includes Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, and Anthony Hudson, who describes himself on his campaign website as a Texas native who fell in love with Michigan.

Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has expressed interest in running and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon said she's considering running for governor or U.S. Senate.

On the Democratic side, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II (who could also become Michigan's first Black governor) have tossed their names into the primary.

Longtime Democrat and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he will run as an independent.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again after serving two terms.