If you are a Republican running for office, an endorsement from President Donald Trump is as good as gold. With a few recent exceptions, Trump-backed candidates are running the board with wins. On Monday, Rep. John James (MI-10) received Trump's endorsement in his bid to become the Republican nominee for governor in Michigan.
President Trump endorsed John James to be Governor of Michigan. John James is a Military Captain, brilliant businessman and two term Congressman who went to West Point then Michigan for his MBA.
— Sarah (@sarahtexe) June 23, 2026
This is a Merit endorsement, not a DEI hire! pic.twitter.com/4VizEi1TAU
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated:
"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! John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!"
READ MORE: Former Mayor of Detroit Is Now Former Candidate for Governor of Michigan - Why Did Mike Duggan Bail?
James thanked Trump on his own social media post and called Trump "The greatest President of my lifetime." Following Trump's endorsement of John James, one of his primary opponents, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt dropped out of the race and backed James. Also on social media, Nesbitt announced the end of his campaign and his backing of James, stating that it is vital for Republicans to unite ahead of November.
"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. 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."
James tweeted out his thanks to Nesbitt, saying:
"When President Trump endorsed this campaign, Aric Nesbitt did exactly what a true Michigan CONSERVATIVE should do: He united behind the President and our mission to Save Michigan from the Libs and the RINOs destroying our Republic!"
Michigan needs a new Governor and @JohnJamesMI is ready.
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 22, 2026
It is now time to focus on defeating the woke left.
John James for Michigan!
But not everyone can see the writing on the wall of how crucial it is for Republicans to come together to crush the leftist onslaught in November. Businessman Perry Johnson is also running for Michigan's top spot, and implied that Trump's endorsement of James was ill-advised, saying on X:
"President Trump received bad advice yet again. John James is a two-time statewide loser, and Michigan has already seen this movie before: Trump-backed statewide candidates like John James, Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, and Kristina Karamo all came up short when it mattered most."
ALSO READ: The Scramble to Replace Whitmer Is Heating Up in Michigan
If the name Perry Johnson sounds familiar, it is because he ran for President briefly in 2024. However, he did not get enough support to qualify for debates. Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is also still in the race, and stated, "...I look forward to being President Trump’s favorite Governor when I win."
Johnson and Cox don't seem to get that Michigan is not immune to the surge of Democratic Socialists moving across the country, and votes split in a GOP gubernatorial primary only help that surge. In addition to Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-12), Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed Dave Zeglen is running for mayor of Ann Arbor. Let's hope they get that memo soon.
Only candidates for governor who talk about data centers are John James and Aric Nesbitt.
— Anna Hoffman (@shoesonplease) June 21, 2026
James wins. He has a clear plan on local control, energy, water, and prioritizing brownfield.
Nesbitt is a clear “no” but we need more.
Perry supports them.
Cox is quiet. 🏭
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