Rep. John James Says Experience and Transparency Are Central to His Run for Michigan Governor

The Republican congressman outlines his case for restoring accountability, economic growth and parental trust in state government.

LANSING, Mich - U.S. Rep. John James says his bid for Michigan governor is rooted in service, transparency and a belief that the state’s government has drifted too far from the people it is meant to serve.

In an interview, James said his decision to seek the governor’s office comes from a lifelong commitment to public service and a deep connection to Michigan, where his father moved from the Jim Crow South in search of opportunity and built a trucking business from the ground up. James described his own political career as a continuation of that legacy and an obligation to give back to a state that made his family’s success possible.

James argued that his background as a combat veteran, business leader and sitting member of Congress gives him experience that sets him apart in the race. He said experience matters as Michigan faces economic stagnation, population loss and growing concerns over public safety and government accountability.

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Central to his campaign is what he calls a “freedom from corruption” plan, which focuses on transparency, accountability and restoring what he describes as popular sovereignty. James said the Whitmer administration eroded trust during the COVID era and that, if elected, he would pursue accountability for government actions while ensuring similar emergency powers abuses do not happen again.

James pledged to open the governor’s office and the Legislature to Freedom of Information Act requests, something Michigan governors and lawmakers have long been exempt from. He said he would also lead by example through full financial disclosure, arguing that public officials owe voters transparency to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

On the economy, James said Michigan has become hostile to business through high taxes, excessive regulation and a litigation environment he claims adds significant costs to residents each year. He criticized the state’s use of large corporate incentive packages, including hundreds of millions of dollars spent on mega sites that have failed to attract companies, calling them ineffective substitutes for structural reform.

James said he supports right to work legislation and would sign it without hesitation, framing the issue as one of personal choice rather than union opposition. He said workers should not be forced to financially support organizations they do not wish to join.

Education also featured prominently in the discussion. James said parents have lost trust in Michigan’s education system and pledged to strengthen parental rights, increase transparency around curriculum and refocus schools on core academic fundamentals. He said school choice and access to federal education scholarship programs would be priorities on his first day in office, noting that Michigan has declined funds other states have accepted.

James said he would protect homeschooling and ensure that any federal education funding does not come with mandates that interfere with parental control over their children’s education.

Asked about his approach to campaigning, James said he prefers taking his message directly to voters rather than attending closed door events or pay to play forums. He said voters deserve free access to candidates and their ideas, not restricted access based on ticket prices or donor status.

James addressed criticism that he does not always vote strictly along party lines, saying his duty is to the Constitution and to the people of his district. He pointed to bipartisan legislation he has helped pass under both Republican and Democratic presidents as evidence of a results focused approach.

If he does not win the Republican primary, James said he would still work to ensure the next governor of Michigan is a Republican, emphasizing unity within the party and a focus on defeating Democrats in the general election.

James said his campaign is ultimately about restoring trust, reversing Michigan’s decline and making the state a place where families can build a future and choose to stay rather than leave.