President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James, R-Mich., for Michigan governor in a Truth Social post Monday afternoon, praising him as a fighter for Michigan’s working families. Following Trump’s endorsement, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Van Buren, announced he is suspending his gubernatorial bid and endorsing James’ campaign.
James faces businessman Perry Johnson and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in the Aug. 4 primary for the Republican nomination ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Democratic candidates include Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
In the post announcing his endorsement, Trump wrote he believes James will prioritize manufacturing and deregulation to build a strong economy for Michigan’s workers.
“As your next Governor, John will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and Advocate for the Working Men and Women of Michigan,” Trump wrote.
In a post to X, James thanked Trump for his endorsement and criticized Democratic leadership in Michigan regarding cost and education, among other issues.
“Michigan families deserve better than what Jocelyn Benson and Gretchen Whitmer have delivered,” James wrote. “Their radical agenda has driven up costs, put violent criminals back on our streets, allowed non-citizens to vote, forced our daughters to compete against biological males, and left our children ranked 44th in the nation in reading while pushing gender ideology instead of math, science, and literacy. That ends now.”
Nesbitt wrote in his campaign suspension announcement that he believes James is the best candidate to take on democratic leadership, and urged his supporters to consolidate behind him.
“He is the best candidate to defeat the Whitmer-Benson agenda of higher taxes, higher prices, woke policies, and incompetent leadership,” Nesbitt wrote. “A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite. I’m asking every one of you who supported this campaign to stand with me behind John James, roll up our sleeves, and deliver a Republican victory in November.”
Summer News Editor Zahra Kagal can be reached at zkagal@umich.edu.
