FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2026
Contact: Alyvia Bailey
alyvia@johnjamesmi.com
MICHIGAN HOUSE SPEAKER ENDORSES JOHN JAMES FOR GOVERNOR, CALLS ON ALL REPUBLICANS TO UNITE BEHIND TRUMP’S CHOICE
Endorsement comes as Republicans coalesce behind James ahead of next weeks debates
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall endorsed John James for Governor of Michigan, calling on Republicans across the state to unite behind President Donald J. Trump’s endorsed candidate ahead of the August 4 primary.
The endorsement marks a major milestone in the race, as the highest-ranking Republican in state government throws his full support behind James, reinforcing what polls already show: Republicans are coalescing around the only candidate capable of defeating Democrats in November.
“President Donald J. Trump has made his choice and endorsed John James for governor, and I am standing with our President and with John. It’s time for all Republicans to come together and join President Trump and unify the party in support of John. John James is the right choice who will unite our party and bring victory in November.”
— Speaker Matt Hall
Speaker Hall, who leads the Republican majority in the Michigan House and stands as the last line of defense against Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s radical agenda and a Democrat controlled State Senate, made clear that November is too important for Republicans to be divided.
“As Michigan’s Speaker of the House, I know firsthand how bad the radical Democrats would be for Michigan. We are the ones stopping their terrible policies on the frontlines, and we need Republicans to win up and down the ticket so we can move this state in the right direction. That means we need to unify as a party. President Trump has spoken and is now bringing us together to beat the Democrats.”
— Speaker Matt Hall
The Speaker made clear what a James governorship would mean for Michigan families.
“I’m proud to endorse John James for governor, because I know he’ll be a strong partner with the Republican House to deliver tax relief, improve public safety and make life more affordable for Michigan families. I look forward to working with Governor John James to deliver real conservative results for the people of Michigan.”
— Speaker Matt Hall
“President Trump has spoken, and I’m honored that Speaker Hall has answered the call to unite our party and take back Michigan. When Republicans stand together behind President Trump’s choice, we win up and down the ticket. Together, we will cut taxes, secure our communities, and bring common sense back to Lansing.”
— John James
The endorsement builds on a wave of Republican momentum behind James following President Trump endorsing James for governor and James holding a double digit lead in primary polling. Following the President’s endorsement last week, Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, the Fraternal Order of Police, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan and Americans for Prosperity united with President Trump behind James.
They joined a large coalition of supports, including: Police Officers Association of Michigan, Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, former house speaker Tom Leonard, Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, the southeastern Michigan Chiefs of Police, Republicans in battle ground districts, and thousands of parents, veterans and conservatives from around the state.
With back to back debates on the horizon, including Fox 2 Detroit on July 8 and Wood TV Grand Rapids on July 9, Speaker Hall’s endorsement sends a clear signal to Republican primary voters: The President has spoken and John James is ready to lead.
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