Michigan Republican John James ‘strongly considering’ House run

Michigan Republican John James is “strongly considering” launching a House run next year, a source familiar with his thinking said shortly after the adoption of a new congressional map for the state. 

The source confirmed to The Hill that James, who was the GOP’s Senate nominee in Michigan in 2018 and 2020, is considering launching a campaign in the new 10th District. The seat is expected to be highly competitive, containing portions of the swing counties of Oakland and Macomb. 

The news comes just after Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission adopted new lines for the 13 congressional districts following the results of the 2020 census.

There is no firm timeline for James to make a decision, but an announcement could come by the end of January. James’s consideration of a House bid was first reported by The Detroit News.

Should James launch a campaign, he could be entering a crowded primary. Former Rep. Mike Bishop (R), Oakland County GOP Chairman Rocky Raczkowski and former House candidates Lena Epstein and Eric Esshaki are reportedly eyeing bids.

He could be boosted in a nominating contest by his ties to former President Trump, who endorsed him in 2020. However, it’s unclear if Trump plans on getting involved in the House race.

The Democratic field for the seat is also unsettled. Both Reps. Haley Stevens and Rep. Andy Levin are expected to run in the 11th Congressional District. 

Republicans have been bullish about James’s electoral future since his first Senate run in 2018, arguing he has an appealing biography.

James, a 39-year-old Black Army veteran and businessman, first ran in 2018 to challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), ultimately losing by a better-than-expected 6 points. He then ran again in 2020 against Sen. Gary Peters (D), losing by under 2 points — a narrower margin than former President Trump lost the state by in November.

Since his 2020 defeat, James has looked to keep his name atop voters’ minds by launching his Mission First, People Always PAC and filling in to host a popular conservative radio show on a part time basis.

Earlier this year, James was also courted by the Republican Governors Association to run against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) in the midterms.