FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026
Contact: Alyvia Bailey
alyvia@johnjamesmi.com
TRUMP ENDORSED JOHN JAMES SWEEPS BACK TO BACK GOP PRIMARY DEBATES, TURNS FULL ATTENTION TO NOVEMBER AND JOCELYN BENSON
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Fresh off decisive back-to-back victories in the GOP primary debates, John James today declared that he is laser-focused on defeating radical leftist Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in November and delivering a Michigan families can afford to live in.
James’s first remarks highlighted his plan to make energy, housing, and healthcare affordable for Michigan families, including expanded mental health access, real price transparency, reversing harmful regulations, restoring local control, keeping Line 5 open, and ending the self-inflicted policies that make energy, housing, and healthcare more expensive here than in other Midwest states.
“Michigan should be the most affordable state in the Midwest, not one of the most expensive. Instead of energy mandates that spike utility bills, we will keep reliable power flowing and keep Line 5 open. Instead of red tape that adds thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home, we will restore local control and get the government out of the way of builders. Instead of mystery medical bills, we will require real price transparency and expand access to mental health care so families are not left to navigate this alone. These are not accidents. They are choices Lansing has made for years, and they are choices we are going to reverse.”
— John James
James, a combat veteran, successful job creator, and conservative leader, agreed to participate in the two televised primary debates in April despite a commanding lead because he respects the GOP primary voters and believes in bold ideas over backroom deals. The first poll after President Trump’s endorsement, which was released earlier this week, showed James leading by 25 points.
“It was important for people to see the clear contrast between a conservative warrior and the rest of the field. Those debates were excellent preparation—a live fire drill—for the main event this fall. Now, I’m turning my full attention to defeating Jocelyn Benson and rescuing Michigan from radical Democratic rule.”
— John James
“Marxism is on the march, Michigan is on fire, and we have to save our state. The failed Whitmer-Benson agenda has brought record crime and corruption, higher energy prices, failing schools, and crumbling infrastructure. Enough is enough. This November, Michigan voters are going to reject the socialist left and elect a proven fighter who will put Michigan families first.”
— John James
“Instead of training their fire on Benson, the other candidates spent two debates trying to attack John James and tear him down, and it didn’t work. At this point, all they are doing is working on Benson’s behalf. It’s time for Republicans to get behind our candidate and take the fight to Benson to make sure that Republicans take back the governor’s office.”
— Campaign Manager Jackson Gross
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