Bronze Star Army veteran Michael Bouchard has won the Republican primary for Michigan's 10th Congressional District, securing the party's nomination after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Bouchard, a political newcomer, is campaigning on a platform of bolstering American manufacturing, securing the southern border, and increasing parental involvement in education.
The race for Michigan's 10th Congressional District is considered critical as Republicans aim to maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district has seen close contests in recent election cycles. In 2024, incumbent Rep. John James, R-Mich., won reelection with 51.1% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Carl Marlinga. Two years prior, James narrowly beat Marlinga by just over 500 votes.
Rep. James announced he would not seek reelection to the House seat, instead opting to run for governor, stating his desire to "secure Michigan’s prosperity for future generations." James, also a military veteran, was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.
Bouchard, who served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and was deployed to Iraq and the U.S. southern border, has emphasized his military background. He has drawn parallels between his past border missions under the Trump administration and the current administration, asserting that "weak leadership has consequences."
Trump's endorsement, shared on Truth Social, highlighted Bouchard as a "brave U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient" who would bring a "fighting spirit" to Congress. Other prominent Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chair Lisa McClain, have also endorsed Bouchard.
Bouchard will now face the Democratic nominee in the general election on November 3.