JOHN JAMES: DEMOCRAT SOFT-ON-CRIME POLICIES END WHEN I’M GOVERNOR

Joined by law enforcement officers, James lays out plan to fully fund the police, hold violent criminals accountable, and make Michigan communities safer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Today John James joined law enforcement leaders for a press conference on crime and public safety, laying out his plan to fully fund the police, hold violent and repeat offenders accountable, strengthen communities and make Michigan a safer place to raise a family.

James was joined by Joe Adams, National Trustee and Immediate Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Ken Grabowski, Legislative Director of the Police Officers Association of Michigan and Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit.

James pledged to fully fund law enforcement, institute minimum sentences for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers, support community policing, expand resources to address mental health and addiction and help returning citizens who have repaid their debt to society get back on their feet. He also highlighted his bipartisan work in Congress on school safety, including common-sense legislation to help parents safely store firearms and medications away from children.

James drew a contrast with the Democratic ticket, pointing to Abdul El-Sayed’s past support for defunding police and Jocelyn Benson’s decision to campaign alongside him. El-Sayed has been on record citing, “we do need to defund the police,” and said his approach included investing less in police while putting more resources toward social services, schools, and public health.

John James says otherwise:

“Let me say this plainly: these soft on crime policies end when I’m governor. I will fully fund the police. I’ll institute minimum sentences for fentanyl dealers and human traffickers because human traffickers, modern slave traders, deserve hard time. I’ll replace liberal judges, radical DAs, and irresponsible prosecutors who put repeat offenders back on the street, and I’ll back our officers in court so they’re not fighting the system and the criminals at the exact same time.”

— John James

James also criticized Benson’s support for Michigan Supreme Court candidates and Winnie Brinks’ record, arguing that the Democratic ticket represents a continuation of public-safety policies he opposes.

“For us, public safety is not a slogan. Law and order is not a talking point. It is a contrast between common sense and crazy.”

— John James

James said his approach will also focus on preventing crime before it happens by strengthening relationships between law enforcement and local communities, supporting mentorship and strong role models, and addressing Michigan’s mental health and addiction crises.

The public safety push builds on a strong stretch of support for James, including today’s endorsement from Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, one of Michigan’s longest-serving law enforcement leaders. Bouchard has served as Oakland County Sheriff since 1999 and was reelected to a seventh term in 2024.

James has also earned support from major Michigan law enforcement organizations, including the Police Officers Association of Michigan, Fraternal Order of Police, and Southeast Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

“We can, we will, we should, we must demand a safer Michigan,” said James.

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