FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 13, 2026
Contact: Alyvia Bailey
alyvia@johnjamesmi.com
JOHN JAMES ANNOUNCES HOUSE OVERSIGHT CHAIRMAN JAY DEBOYER AS RUNNING MATE
James And DeBoyer Pledge To Save Michigan From Radical Extremism And Usher in a New Era of Transparency And Common Sense
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Earlier today, Republican nominee for Governor John James announced small business owner, former local election official and State House Oversight Chairman Jay DeBoyer of Clay Township as his choice for Lieutenant Governor.
James announced his selection of DeBoyer on X, writing:
“I am choosing Jay DeBoyer as my running mate because he has run a business, served in local government, and overseen elections. He knows how to work with both parties in the Legislature to get things done.
Jay embodies the West Point Honor Code principles I expect in my administration: restoring integrity, competence, and trust in state government.
He will lead the fight against corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse, protecting core services while fixing what’s broken.
Michigan deserves a government as good as its people, focused on excellent schools, safer streets, and an affordable Michigan. Jay will help us deliver it.”
— John James
“With freedom on the ballot and the future of our state at stake, I’m humbled and honored to join John James as his pick for Lieutenant Governor. Michiganders face a clear choice between socialism and a bold new direction rooted in freedom, opportunity, and prosperity. John is the right leader to win this fight, turn our state around, and build a Michigan where future generations can live, work, raise a family, and thrive.”
— Jay DeBoyer
DeBoyer is a small business owner and second-term State Representative serving St. Clair and Macomb counties. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he has led efforts to root out waste, fraud, abuse, and government mismanagement. Before joining the Legislature, DeBoyer spent 12 years as St. Clair County Clerk and Register of Deeds, where he oversaw elections, and previously served in local government in Clay Township.
Together, James and DeBoyer will root out corruption, cut taxes and energy costs, make communities safer, strengthen education, and bring jobs and opportunity back home to Michigan.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Republican Nominee for Attorney General Doug Lloyd:
Congratulations to Representative DeBoyer on being chosen to serve alongside John James as our next lieutenant Governor! His experience in local government, the Legislature, and as House Oversight Committee Chair will be vital to us getting Michigan back on track. I’m looking forward to having him join us on the campaign trail, and working alongside him in his new role come January!
Republican Nominee for Secretary of State Anthony Forlini:
Congratulations to Jay DeBoyer on being named John James’ running mate for Governor. Michigan, these are two good men who will bring common sense, transparent, and strong accountability measures to Government to better serve the people of our state.
Congratulations to Representative Jay DeBoyer on his selection as John James’ running mate for Lt. Governor of Michigan! I’m proud to call Jay a fellow resident of Michigan’s 9th Congressional District, and I know he will be a tremendous addition to the team. Michigan families deserve better. John James and Jay DeBoyer will bring common sense back to Lansing, put an end to the crazy, and fight to put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders. This is a strong ticket that will win back Michigan and get our state moving in the right direction.
My good friend Jay DeBoyer is a great choice for Lt. Governor by @JohnJamesMI. Jay has helped bring needed accountability to Lansing by chairing our House Oversight Committee and is a smart, commonsense leader.
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt:
Congrats @jaydeboyer1! Great pick for LG. As Chair of House Oversight, he’s worked hard to hold Benson & Whitmer accountable. He’s a well-respected small business owner and legislator who will work with Gov. James to push through real conservative reforms for our state. Let’s go win!
.@jaydeboyer1 is by far one of the best legislators in Lansing. His work on oversight has made him one of the most effective committee chairs. He’s also an incredible guy. Absolutely solid pick by @JohnJamesMI. Now on to victory in November!
Former Attorney General Mike Cox:
The @JohnJamesMI – @jaydeboyer1 is the clear choice! We are either going to elect strong leaders like John James and Jay DeBoyer with common sense solutions to difficult problems caused by the Dems, or we’re going to elect people like Jocelyn Benson, who is @AbdulElSayed adjacent, and will accelerate Michigan’s decline by adopting every trendy socialist-lite idea out there.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido:
Jay DeBoyer is the best selection to help John James Lead and Govern. DeBoyer worked relentlessly on the oversight committee and has made him one of the most tenacious legislators who has provided transparency, openness, and honest government. He’s the right man to get the job done. No doubt this choice by John James is solid. John & Jay All the way! Now on to victory in November!
Republican State Leadership Committee:
Jay DeBoyer will make an outstanding Lieutenant Governor! Congratulations Rep. DeBoyer!
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