John James projected to win GOP nod for Michigan governor

He first won election to Congress in 2022 and secured reelection in 2024.

Published: August 4, 2026 10:25pm

Rep. John James, R-Mich., was projected to win the Republican nomination for Michigan governor on Tuesday evening.

The Associated Press called the race for James after 10:00 p.m. EST, with 25% of precincts reporting. At that time, Johnson led rival Perry Johnson with 50% to 36%.

The result was not unexpected. James has made multiple attempts at statewide office in the past several years, compared to Johnson, who mounted a long shot bid for president in 2024, but failed to gain traction.

James previously lost the 2018 Michigan Senate race to then-Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. He later ran against Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., in 2020, but also lost.

He first won election to Congress in 2022 and secured reelection in 2024.

He will likely face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the general election.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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