GUBERNATORIAL STAKES

As we have been calling it, Republican Congressman – and perennial candidate – John James of Shelby Township officially announced his run for governor in 2026. A top Republican pol said James will have President Donald Trump’s endorsement, acknowledging that for many non-MAGA Michiganders, it’s uncertain if that’s currently a good thing. James, in his second term representing Michigan’s 10th congressional district, previously ran for Senate in both 2018 and 2020, and has been a Trump ally since his first run, and received the prez’s endorsement in 2022. His entry into the race was followed a week later by the announcement of Republican Mike Cox, former Michigan Attorney General (2003-2010), that he was also running. Cox tried for the post in 2010 but did not survive the primary. Other announced candidates for Michigan’s top job are Republicans Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) and former U.S. House candidate Anthony Hudson (R-Grand Blanc), Democrats Jocelyn Benson, currently the state’s term-limited Secretary of State, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, as well as mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit, who is running as an independent. Insiders say it’s a safe bet that 2020 GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon will be joining the field.

John James

Mike Cox