President Trump on Monday endorsed Rep. John James (R-MI) in the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary.

“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Congressman, John James, who is running to become the next Governor of the Beautiful State of Michigan! A West Point Graduate, Combat Pilot, Brave Iraq War Veteran, Successful Businessman and Job Creator, and now, as a Highly Respected U.S. Congressman, John has proven he has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful State, and our Nation,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“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 continued.

“John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” he added.

“Thank you, President Donald J. Trump. The greatest President of my lifetime. Your endorsement is igniting a movement across Michigan, and we are ready to win! Together, we will send Mike Rogers to the United States Senate, protect our Republican held U.S. House seats, and Make Michigan Great Again. Michigan families deserve better than what Jocelyn Benson and Gretchen Whitmer have delivered,” James said.

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“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. We will cut taxes. Repeal the energy mandates crushing working families. Audit the waste. And hold the fraudsters accountable. We will restore election integrity. Secure our communities. Guarantee that girls compete against girls on a fair and level playing field. And put parents back in charge of their children’s education so every Michigan kid has a real chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” James continued.

“Michigan will be prosperous, safe, affordable, and educated again for every hardworking family who believed in this state and never stopped. Michigan was made for more. Michigan First. Praise the Lord!” he added.

Trump’s endorsement had an immediate impact on the GOP primary as Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, dropped out of the race and endorsed James.

CBS News shared further:

Other Republicans still in the race include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson. Meanwhile, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are running on the Democratic side. Other gubernatorial candidates include Michigan resident Anthony Hudson.

The list of candidates has gradually slimmed down over the last six months, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist dropping out in January 2026 to pursue the Michigan Secretary of State. Gilchrist received a nomination for SOS from the Michigan Democratic Party.

Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also backed out of the race in April and May, respectively. On May 28, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers determined that Democrat Kim Thomas and Republican Ralph Rebandt failed to meet the state’s threshold for valid signatures.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“When Trisha and I decided to enter this race nearly eighteen months ago, we knew the path to victory would be neither certain nor easy. But we were driven by a deep love for Michigan and an unshakable faith in its people and its future. We ran to deliver a ‘Make It In Michigan’ agenda for the farmers, families, autoworkers, seniors, and small business owners who have kept this state strong despite years of failed Democratic policies in Lansing. Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the honor of visiting all 83 counties, meeting salt-of-the-earth Michiganders who still believe the American Dream is alive here,” Nesbitt said.

“Trisha and I entered this race because we worry that the promise we grew up with — hard work, faith in God, and the drive that built America’s auto industry and middle class — is slipping away for our three young children. I ran to reverse the decline under Democrat control and bring President Trump’s proven successes to Michigan: cutting taxes, lowering costs, deporting criminal illegal immigrants, and restoring manufacturing jobs. This campaign has always been about the people of Michigan and standing with President Trump to defeat the Democrats in November. Today, I am suspending my campaign and proudly joining President Trump in endorsing John James as Michigan’s next Governor,” he continued.

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“John James is a decorated combat veteran who flew helicopters in Iraq, a successful businessman who created jobs, and a fighter who has consistently stood with President Trump’s agenda. He is the best candidate to defeat the Whitmer-Benson agenda of higher taxes, higher prices, woke policies, and incompetent leadership. 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. To the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, supporters, and staff — and to every Michigander who offered encouragement and prayers — thank you. I am humbled by your trust and inspired by your belief in our state. To Trisha and our family, thank you for sharing me with this fight. I’m coming home a little sooner, but the mission continues,” he explained.

“As Senate Republican Leader, I will keep fighting every single day for the people of Michigan — and starting today, I’ll be fighting to elect John James our next governor. Let’s win in November. Let’s Make Michigan Great Again,” Nesbitt added.

More from the Detroit Free Press:

Cox and Johnson didn’t heed that call, vowing instead to stay in the race. “Our momentum is strong, and our fight continues,” Cox said in a statement. “I look forward to being President Trump’s favorite governor when I win.” Johnson described Trump’s endorsement as misguided. “If we want a Republican governor in Michigan, defeating John James in this primary is critical. I’ll be working twice as hard to make sure that happens,” Johnson wrote in a Facebook post.

The state’s elections panel in May certified Nesbitt to appear on the August primary ballot. He was the only candidate in the GOP primary running from outside of metro Detroit. He called himself a “farm boy” on the campaign trail and touted his rural agenda for Michigan, addressing a key constituency of the Republican Party.

 

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