Rep. John James, R-Mich., has won the Republican nomination for Michigan governor, defeating businessman Perry Johnson in the GOP primary. The Associated Press reported James' victory Tuesday, which sets up a high-stakes general election matchup against incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
James, a West Point graduate and combat veteran, secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump in late June. His victory demonstrated the continued influence of Trump's backing in Republican primaries.
The primary contest between James and Johnson, who self-funded his campaign with millions of dollars, became contentious. Johnson, who is White, referred to James, one of the few Black Republicans in Congress, as a "DEI candidate" and accused him of playing the "race card." James, in turn, called Johnson "desperate."
James argued that voters were seeking a candidate with proven leadership capabilities to revitalize the state, rather than one relying solely on financial resources. He emphasized his background as an Army Ranger and Apache helicopter pilot who served in Iraq.
Prior to the general election, James and Johnson were the leading Republicans in a field that also included former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and state Senate Republican leader Aric Nesbitt. Both Cox and Nesbitt had suspended their campaigns but remained on the primary ballot.
Trump's endorsement of James came during a rally in Michigan shortly before the primary. Trump's influence has been a significant factor in numerous Republican primaries across the country this cycle, with his endorsed candidates ousting incumbents in Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas, among others. However, this streak of endorsements has seen some setbacks, including in Iowa where Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra lost his bid for governor.
In other recent primary contests, Trump-backed candidates achieved victories in Georgia and Alabama, with a notable exception in a race where billionaire businessman Rick Jackson invested over $100 million of his own funds. Trump also saw success in South Carolina's gubernatorial runoff and in Louisiana, where Sen. Bill Cassidy was unseated. Additionally, Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Biggs won Arizona's primary for governor.
James and Benson will now compete to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the general election.