Two-time Senate candidate and Army Veteran John James Monday announced that he is jumping into the congressional race in Michigan’s 10th district.
“I fought on the battlefield for American lives and in business for good-paying jobs that fuel livelihoods. I will continue to fight for the hardworking families in Michigan’s 10th district as today I announce my run for Congress,” James said in a Twitter post.
I fought on the battlefield for American lives and in business for good-paying jobs that fuel livelihoods. I will continue to fight for the hardworking families in Michigan’s 10th district as today I announce my run for Congress. Join me at https://t.co/L2HSYuRU7Y pic.twitter.com/PkqKpwqIWP
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) January 31, 2022
“I’m John James, and I want to grow your economy, not Washington’s,” he says in the ad. “I’m an open-minded, free-thinking conservative and I’m not afraid to listen, even if you disagree with me.”
James says his successful automotive logistics business proves that he has the necessary experience to improve Michigan’s economy. He also complains that in Washington, politicians become millionaires, while Michiganders “struggle just to make ends meet.”
“I don’t believe politicians deserve preferential treatment,” he says. “My employees are on the same healthcare plan that my family is on. That’s how it should be. Faith and family. God and country. Service before self.”
Michigan’s 10th district, recently redrawn, with include portions of  Macomb County and Oakland Count, and figures to be more competitive than it has been in the past.
The incumbent is freshman Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI-10), who won handily in 2020 by a two-thirds margin.
The primary election date is August 2.
James, who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) and completed several tours of duty in Iraq, has been known to tout his leadership on the battlefield in his campaigns.
He ran unsuccessfully in 2018 against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a race that he lost by about seven points. In 2020, he again ran for Senate, this time against Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). That race was more hotly contested, and James found himself on the losing end by only two points.
James’ campaign could not be reached for comment.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Michigan Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “John James campaign video” by John James.
