Iraq War Vet John James Wins Republican Nomination For Senate

Detroit-area businessman and Iraq War veteran John James has won the Republican nomination to run against Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow this fall.

James, of Farmington Hills, was declared the winner over Grosse Pointe businessman Sandy Pensler at 10:13 p.m. Tuesday by the Associated Press. He won approximately 57 percent of the vote when the race was called.

James saw a major boost in the election several weeks ago when President Donald Trump endorsed him. Trump’s campaign released a statement saying, "John James is the embodiment of the American Dream … Love of country and hard work have fueled John's success in life, the military, and business, and have positioned him to be the best candidate to defeat Debbie Stabenow for the Senate this fall."

James received a congratulations on his win from Vice President Mike Pence. They will both be attending the GOP Unity Rally Wednesday in Grand Rapids.

Heading to Michigan tomorrow. Congrats to @JohnJamesMI on his big primary win! He served our Nation proudly in the Army & will continue to make us proud in the US Senate. Look forward to seeing him tomorrow in Grand Rapids!
— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) August" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/mike_pence... 8, 2018

James is Michigan's first black Republican nominee for a major statewide office in more than three decades, WDIV reported.

Michigan U.S. Senate candidate John James gives a thumbs up after casting his ballot on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 at Orchard United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills, Mich. (Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)