FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2026
Contact: Alyvia Bailey
alyvia@johnjamesmi.com
REP. TIM WALBERG BACKS JOHN JAMES FOR GOVERNOR, CALLS FOR REPUBLICAN UNITY BEHIND PRESIDENT TRUMP’S CHOICE
Republican leaders continue uniting behind James ahead of next week’s debates
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), dean of Michigan’s congressional delegation, endorsed John James for Governor of Michigan, urging Republicans across the state to unite behind President Donald J. Trump’s endorsed candidate and put an end to the divisions that only benefit Democrats ahead of the August 4 primary.
Walberg’s endorsement comes on the heels of Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall’s endorsement yesterday, adding to the growing wave of Republican support behind James following President Trump’s endorsement. Together, the endorsements reinforce what polls already show: Republicans are uniting behind the strongest candidate to defeat Democrats in November and restore conservative leadership to Michigan.
“President Trump has endorsed Congressman John James for Governor of Michigan and has called on Republicans across our state to unite behind him. I couldn’t agree more.”
— Chairman Tim Walberg
Rep. Walberg, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, praised James’ record of fighting alongside President Trump and said his background has prepared him to lead Michigan.
“John is my friend, my colleague, and a proven conservative warrior who has fought alongside President Trump to secure our border, protect our constitutional freedoms, put parents back in charge of their children’s education, and advance the America First agenda. As a West Point graduate, combat veteran, businessman, and conservative Congressman, he has the experience, character, and leadership Michigan needs.”
— Chairman Tim Walberg
He also urged Republicans to put aside intraparty divisions and focus on defeating Democrats in November, recognizing John James as the candidate best positioned to defeat the Democrats in November.
“The stakes in this election could not be higher. Socialism is on the ballot. The radical left has made Michigan less affordable, less safe, and less competitive. After nearly eight years of failed Democrat leadership, it’s time for Republicans to stop the intraparty attacks that only hurt our party’s chances of winning in November and unite behind the strongest candidate. John James is the candidate best positioned to win in November, defeat the Democrats, and put Michigan back on the path to prosperity. I’m proud to give John James my complete and total endorsement for Governor of Michigan.”
— Chairman Tim Walberg
“I’m honored to have my friend Chairman Tim Walberg’s endorsement, and grateful for his support as Republicans across Michigan unite following President Trump’s endorsement. Chairman Walberg is right: the stakes in this election couldn’t be higher. Together, we’ll strengthen our party, defeat the Democrats in November, and deliver the conservative leadership Michigan deserves.”
— John James
Rep. Walberg’s endorsement adds to the rapidly growing coalition of Republican leaders and organizations backing James’ campaign following President Trump’s endorsement. Alongside House Speaker Matt Hall, Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, the Fraternal Order of Police, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, Americans for Prosperity, and others. Walberg’s endorsement reflects the growing consensus that James is the Republican best positioned to win in November.
That coalition also includes the 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 representing battleground districts, and thousands of parents, veterans, farmers, and conservatives across Michigan.
With two Republican primary debates taking place next week on FOX 2 Detroit and WOOD TV, support for James continues to grow as Republicans rally around a unified campaign focused on defeating Democrats and winning back the Governor’s Office.
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