FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2026

Contact: Hannah Osantowske
press@johnjamesmi.com

FROM WEST MICHIGAN TO METRO DETROIT, BATTLEGROUND LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE ARE UNITING BEHIND JOHN JAMES FOR GOVERNOR

The Leaders Who Win Hard Races in Tough Districts Are Sending One Clear Message: James Is the Only Republican Who Can Win in November

MICHIGAN – John James is building the broadest Republican coalition Michigan has seen in a generation, and it keeps growing. Following the endorsement of State Senator Mark Huizenga, who is up for re-election in the most competitive state senate seat in Kent County, several of Oakland County’s most respected elected officials are now joining Kid Rock, Macomb County leaders, a statewide Parents Coalition, and conservative grassroots activists from every corner of Michigan in support of John James for Governor.

Oakland County matters. It is one of Michigan’s most competitive suburban counties and a critical piece of any statewide winning coalition. State Representative Mike Harris spent 26 years in law enforcement serving Oakland County communities before his election to the State House and knows better than anyone what it takes to keep Michigan families safe. State Representatives Donni Steele and Mark Tisdel have won battleground races in districts that can swing either way in November. State Representative Tom Kuhn represents a district stretching across both Oakland and Macomb Counties and knows what it takes to build the kind of broad coalition that wins statewide. Rochester Hills City Councilwoman Theresa Mungioli has spent decades building community from the ground up. These are not politicians from safe seats or easy offices. They are leaders who have earned their standing in territory where results matter, and they are unanimous: John James is the only Republican who can lead this ticket to victory in November.

James leads the Republican primary by double digits and according to data from RealClearPolling, is the only GOP candidate polling ahead of both Democratic candidates in a general election matchup. These members from competitive districts in both legislative chambers that are on the ballot in 2026 are sending Michigan Republicans a clear message: we need John James at the top of this ticket.

The Leaders Who Know How to Win Are All Endorsing James

State Representative Mike Harris: “I spent 26 years in law enforcement right here in Oakland County, and I know what it takes to keep our communities safe and secure. John James understands that public safety starts with supporting our officers and holding criminals accountable. As a law enforcement officer, I have protected my name for decades and only endorse candidates I know are right for the job. John James is that candidate and is the only one who can win in November. I want him at the top of this ticket.”

State Representative Tom Kuhn: “Having represented communities across both Oakland and Macomb Counties, I know that winning statewide requires a candidate who can speak to every kind of Michigan family. John James has a track record of delivering real results and the kind of broad appeal that turns a primary win into a November victory. He is the right leader to bring fiscal discipline and strong leadership back to Lansing, and I am proud to have him leading this ticket.”

State Representative Donni Steele: “John James will not compromise or back down to the special interests and bureaucrats who are currently running Lansing. As a successful businessman, John knows how to make our state government efficient and effective. He is the only Republican candidate with what it takes to win in November and I want him leading this ticket.”

State Representative Mark Tisdel: “Every parent knows the fear of not being able to protect their kids from what is out there online. I am proud my legislation to ban smartphones in Michigan classrooms is becoming law, but we need leadership at the top that will keep delivering for our families. John James has delivered in Congress to give parents the power they need and force Big Tech to answer for putting children at risk. Our kids’ innocence is worth every ounce of effort, and Michigan needs a Governor who will not back down from that mission. John James is that leader and I am proud to have him leading our ticket.”

Rochester Hills City Councilwoman Theresa Mungioli: “My passion has always been building strong communities, supporting families, empowering our youth, and bringing people together. John James shares that same commitment to community and service. He understands that real leadership starts at the local level, and he will be a Governor who listens, leads, and delivers for families across Michigan. There is no one I would rather have at the top of this ticket.”

A Record That Speaks for Itself

John James does not just talk about results. He delivers them. In Congress, he passed the federal Parents Bill of Rights and delivered the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit giving Michigan parents real school choice. He introduced the App Store Accountability Act to protect Michigan children online. He secured the F-15EX basing decision at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, protecting thousands of Michigan jobs and strengthening our national defense. He got the Clean Trucks Congressional Review Act signed into law, saving small trucking businesses from a job killing EPA mandate. And he has been a 100% loyal ally to President Trump since day one, never wavering when the media and the establishment came calling.

His Freedom Agenda for Michigan is already committed to cutting taxes, ending wasteful spending, restoring parental authority, fully funding law enforcement, cracking down on fentanyl and sanctuary cities, auditing Lansing’s DEI and ESG waste, fixing the roads, and lowering energy costs. One mission. One goal: make Michigan the best state in America to work, live, and raise a family.

To learn more or to join the growing coalition behind John James for Governor, visit JohnJamesMI.com.

###