(WXYZ) — Another candidate has entered the 2026 Michigan Governor's Race. Congressman John James announced his candidacy in a social media post Monday.
A Republican, James currently represents Michigan's 10th Congressional District, where he is in his second term.
Earlier Monday, Democrat Christiana Hines announced she was getting into the race to challenge James for the seat, which covers southern Macomb County and part of Oakland County.
At this point, both State Senate minority leader Aric Nesbitt and Anthony Hudson have also entered the race for the Republican nomination.
7 News Detroit Editorial Director Chuck Stokes has this to say about James entering the race for Governor, The entrance of Congressman John James into a Michigan gubernatorial race that is still more than a year away is a strong signal that eligible state voters are in for a high profile and hard fought contest in both the 2026 primary and general elections. Congressman James is the third GOP candidate to toss his hat in the ring. The current field of declared candidates - Republican, Democrats, and an Independent - project a race that will probably be the longest and most expensive race for governor in Michigan history. Buckle up for the ride, Michigan!”
Editor's note: A previous version of this story said that James was the first Republican candidate to declare for the race. That error has been corrected.
