Rep. John James has won Michigan’s Republican nomination for governor, NBC News projects, overcoming a significant financial disadvantage in the primary race.

James, who represents the Detroit suburbs, prevailed over wealthy businessman Perry Johnson, who spent over $31 million on advertising compared to James’ $2.8 million, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact. James, 45, is an Army veteran and a former Senate candidate who won his House seat in 2022. He campaigned as a capable public servant with business experience from working in his family’s logistics company.

President Donald Trump endorsed James despite initial concerns that a gubernatorial bid might risk James’ competitive House district. Trump also campaigned for him in Michigan last week.

James criticized the current administration under Governor Gretchen Whitmer during a televised debate, stating, “This is an amazing state with all the great ingredients, but for the past seven-and-a-half years, under Gretchen Whitmer, we’ve been led to higher taxes, more crime on the roads — and frankly, the roads we have aren’t fixed yet,” referencing Whitmer’s 2018 campaign promise to “fix the damn roads.”

He pledged to focus on education, crime reduction, and accountability, saying, “We’re going to work together to make sure that our children can read, to make sure that we put criminals in jail, and we hold those accountable who continue to let them back out.”

One factor that may have influenced the primary outcome was the withdrawal of former state Attorney General Mike Cox on July 17, who endorsed James.

James will face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic primary winner, in the fall election in what is expected to be a highly competitive battleground state.

Sources

NBC News: Trump-backed John James wins Michigan’s GOP primary for governor