FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2026
Contact: Hannah Osantowske
press@johnjamesmi.com
Northern Michigan Leaders Rally Behind John James for Governor
State Legislators, Law Enforcement Officers, Local Elected Officials and Community Leaders Back James
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Today, a coalition of Northern Michigan leaders announced their support for John James for Governor, citing his record of service, job creation, and commitment to protecting Michigan’s way of life.
The endorsements include General Jack Bergman (MI-01), State Representatives Ken Borton (105th District), Mike Hoadley (99th District), Curt VanderWall (102nd District), State Senator Michele Hoitenga (36th District), Major Jon Turnbull – American War Hero and Otsego County Commissioner, Gaylord Police Chief Frank Claeys, Elk Rapids Supervisor Dorance Amos and Julia Pollister-Amos, and Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Advisory Team Jordan Hoover.
“In Northern Michigan, we don’t have time for excuses out of Lansing. We expect results,” said State Representative Ken Borton. “John James understands the value of hard work, protecting our natural resources, and standing up for our communities. He’s the leader we need to get Michigan back on track.”
“As an Army veteran, I know real leadership when I see it,” said State Representative Mike Hoadley. “In Northern Michigan, we expect lower taxes, strong small businesses, and leaders who understand our way of life. John James has delivered in uniform and in business, and he will deliver in Lansing.”
“In the 36th District, our way of life matters,” said State Senator Michele Hoitenga. “Our outdoors, our land, and our freedoms are worth protecting. John James understands that and will stand up to Lansing politicians who don’t. He will fight for families like ours across Northern Michigan.”
“Families of Oceana, Manistee, Mason, and Muskegon counties need a Governor who will fight for Michigan jobs, lower costs and put hard working families first. John James is that leader with the vision to make Michigan great again,” said State Representative Curt VanderWall.
“As a veteran, I fought and was gravely injured in the defense of freedom in my love for the American Constitution,” said Major Jon Turnbull. “John James is my choice for the governor of Michigan because he not only understands my sacrifice, but he honors the sacrifice of myself and all those before me. He is the best choice because of the man he was, the man he is, and what he will do for the people of Michigan. John James understands and lives duty, honor, country.”
“Our communities need a governor who backs law enforcement and keeps families safe,” said Gaylord Police Chief Frank Claeys. “John James understands the importance of public safety and will stand with the men and women who serve. I’m proud to support him for Governor.”
John James welcomed the endorsements, emphasizing his commitment to delivering results for every region of the state.
“I’m honored to have the support of leaders who know their communities and fight for them every day. Northern Michigan deserves a governor who will protect its way of life, grow opportunity, and put people first. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
— John James
John James Announces Visits to key Northern Michigan Republican Events
John James will be attending the Otsego County Republican Party Breakfast in Gaylord, Michigan as well as the Alpena County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, May 2nd. The event announcements come as John James continues to show up in Northern Michigan communities.
Previous campaign event locations include Grand Traverse, Antrim, Otsego, Mackinac, St. Ignace, and Marquette. James has attended and participated in multiple forums and engagements including the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Governor Forum, a U.P. Sportsmen’s Alliance Meeting, and the UP200 Dog Sled Race in Marquette.
James, a West Point graduate, combat veteran, and Michigan businessman, is currently leading the Republican primary field for governor.
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