Trump Endorses John James for Michigan Governor; Nesbitt Exits Race

President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James for Michigan governor on Monday, June 23, 2026, providing a significant boost to the Shelby Township Republican's campaign ahead of the August 4 primary election. In a Truth Social post, Trump praised James as a West Point graduate, combat pilot, Iraq War veteran, and successful businessman, declaring "John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" The endorsement was part of a broader slate of Trump-backed candidates that also included Michael Bouchard for the 10th Congressional District and Amir Hassan for the 8th Congressional District.

Within hours of Trump's endorsement, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, announced he was ending his gubernatorial campaign and endorsing James. Nesbitt, who had been polling last among the Republican candidates and had never run a statewide campaign before, cited the need for party unity to defeat Democrats in the general election. "A divided primary only helps Democrats. It's time to unite," Nesbitt wrote to supporters. His exit followed former House Speaker Tom Leonard's earlier withdrawal and endorsement of James, consolidating support behind the Trump-backed candidate.

The endorsement roiled the Republican primary, where millions of dollars had already been spent on advertising. Former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia and businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills remained in the race, refusing to concede. Cox vowed to continue his campaign, stating "Our momentum is strong, and our fight continues," and asserting he had won Michigan twice before. Johnson criticized Trump's decision as misguided, noting that Trump-backed statewide candidates in Michigan—including John James himself in previous races, Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, and Kristina Karamo—had failed in general elections. "Across the country, Republican voters are proving that an endorsement alone does not decide a governor's race," Johnson said.

James, a second-term congressman and former U.S. Senate candidate who has been a longtime Trump ally, responded positively to both endorsements. He praised Trump as "The greatest President of my lifetime" and characterized Nesbitt's decision as an act of true conservatism, stating "He united behind the President and our mission to Save Michigan." Political observers predicted that Trump's endorsement would prove decisive in the primary, with pundits suggesting it could carry James to victory in the 43 days remaining before the election.

The Democratic primary in Michigan features Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. The Michigan Democratic Party has characterized the Republican primary as a "MAGA primary," arguing that whichever Republican emerges will be tied to Trump, which Democrats view as a liability in the general election.