(WXYZ) — Republican businessman John James has formally conceded the U.S. Senate raceto Sen. Gary Peters, he announced in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday evening.
"Now, the reason we’re here. The results of the election were certified yesterday. I am happy that the Board of Canvassers led by Norm Shinkle asked the legislature to take a top down review of election law. But it's too later for me," James said in the nearly three-minute video. "While I look forward to participating in efforts to secure both reasonable franchise and integrity in our election in the near future, today is the right time for me to congratulate Senator Gary Peters."
I ran to help people & you helped me do that. Thank you.
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) November 25, 2020
As we continue to fight for our republic, remember the battle is not ours, but the Lord's. And our enemy is not our fellow Americans.
God bless you. God bless Michigan. And God bless America. pic.twitter.com/iF9hLQJzYM
James initially refused to concede the race, citing unfounded claims of voter disenfranchisement and fraud in the state. On Nov. 5, James stated that after "the process is complete," and if he still does not have the needed votes to win the Senate race he would "of course accept the results and the will of the people."
Peters responded by calling James' campaign "sad and pathetic."
Now, after acknowledging Peters' win, James said he'll be sending him a bottle of Johnie Walker Blue Label as a congratulatory gift, after reminiscing on a few years back when the two shared a scotch at a Detroit Pistons game.
"I wish you and your family good health and safety this season and in the New Year," James added in the video.
During his campaign, James said his team was able to donate more than $1 million to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, groups that help hurting veterans, victims of domestic violence.
"It's insane but I ran because I wanted to help people and I am just so grateful to you for allowing me to do that through our Nickel Promise," James said.