Capitol News

John James, who finished fourth in the 2025 Mackinac Island Republican gubernatorial straw poll, is facing challenges as the Republican primary for governor becomes more competitive. His campaign has been described as “adrift,” “sloppy,” and “inexperienced.”

A recent column by Kyle Melinn in Lansing City Pulse compared James’ situation to that of James Craig, who lost his chance at the Republican nomination in 2021-22. Melinn wrote, “just as James Craig completely fumbled a clear shot at the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2021-‘22 through pure neglect and laziness, James is on track to do the same thing.”

James did not attend a recent Republican gubernatorial forum, which drew criticism from Michigan Republicans. Lisa McClain, the No. 4 House Republican, expressed skepticism about his candidacy, stating that James running for governor is “100% not ideal” and “stings.”

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman commented on the state of James’ campaign: “John James’ campaign for governor is completely adrift. James couldn’t even place Top 3 in a Republican straw poll, and in the little time he is on the campaign trail, he’s spewing conspiracy theories about his 2020 loss and dodging questions on his support for cutting Medicaid. As the James campaign continues to crash out for everyone to see, the Republican primary for governor is up for grabs and only bound to get more chaotic and extreme.”

The Lansing City Pulse article noted issues within James’s campaign operation due to inexperienced staff and mistakes such as promoting his candidacy with a kid’s backpack giveaway through his congressional office. The article also pointed out that key advisers from previous campaigns are no longer with him.

“Unless something changes, [John James is] not making it out of the primary,” one observer said.

As the primary race continues, observers note increasing competition among candidates and uncertainty surrounding John James’ prospects.