Capitol News

John James, a candidate in the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary, is facing increased criticism after skipping a recent candidate forum on Mackinac Island. Conservative commentator Kaitlyn Buss, speaking on WJR Radio, criticized James’ decision to miss the event, stating: “I don’t think anyone thinks that it was [the right call]. And it’s interesting to see kind of the momentum now really shift from just that one decision.”

James had limited involvement at the Michigan GOP’s Mackinac Island Conference and finished fourth in the event’s straw poll. Buss also questioned whether James and former President Donald Trump are fully aligned regarding a potential endorsement in the primary. She said: “I don’t know that James and Trump are totally aligned on this. I do think there is quite a bit of shade between what they want to have happen, so it’ll be interesting.”

The scrutiny follows comments from Lisa McClain, the No. 4 House Republican, who said that James running for governor is “100% not ideal” and “stings.”

On Michigan’s Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels, MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn discussed grassroots dissatisfaction with James’ campaign presence: “James is allegedly running for governor, but the grassroots say they don’t see him. He doesn’t show up to things. When he does show up to things, he’s late or he leaves early.” Melinn added: “Having run statewide twice before, he should be a shoe in for the Republican nomination,” but noted that James now faces significant competition.

Former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jeff Timmer commented on a podcast this week about James’ campaign performance: “[He has] seemingly gone into the Witness Protection Program other than to come out of hiding on a couple occasions to step in big piles of shit of his own creation.”

Recent challenges for James include an ethics investigation related to alleged violations of congressional rules and questions about his stance on Medicaid expansion. He has also promoted unproven claims about widespread election fraud and promised consequences following his 2020 election loss.