Trump Endorses John James in Michigan Governor Race as Rival Exits Primary
Primary region US
Tags Elections
Regions US
President Trump endorsed US Representative John James for Michigan governor on June 22, 2026, prompting Michigan state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt to drop out of the Republican gubernatorial primary and endorse James. The consolidation of the Republican field behind James strengthens the party's position in a key battleground state ahead of the November general election. Other candidates, including businessman Perry Johnson and former Attorney General Mike Cox, remain in the race and criticized the endorsement. Michigan is a critical swing state that will be closely contested in the midterms.
Strategic interpretation
Trump's endorsement and the subsequent consolidation of the Republican field behind James reduces the risk of a divisive primary weakening the eventual nominee in Michigan. However, remaining candidates like Mike Cox, who claims Trump's favor, could split the vote. The Michigan governor's race is a bellwether for Republican momentum in the upper Midwest ahead of the midterms.