Capitol News

John James, a Republican candidate for governor in Michigan, has not confirmed his participation in the first GOP primary debate scheduled to take place tonight in Sparta. According to Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad, when asked by MIRS News about James’s attendance, he stated that the campaign's “first answer was no, but the most recent answer about him attending is that they were thinking about it.” As of yesterday afternoon, MIRS reported there had been no change in this response. In addition, a spokesperson for James did not reply to further inquiries regarding his status.

Several media outlets including MLive, Michigan Public Radio, Gongwer, and The Detroit News have also reported receiving no response from the James campaign regarding whether he will participate in the debate.

Despite having two fundraisers planned this week in western Michigan and owning a $2.7 million mansion near Grand Rapids—approximately 20 minutes from Sparta—James has not made any public commitment to attend the debate. There are ongoing concerns among some observers and party members about his lack of engagement on issues such as health care costs and government shutdowns during Congressional recesses.

Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman commented on the situation: “Have you seen John James, and why is he not RSVPing for tonight’s debate? Whether it’s skipping debates or dodging questions on his vote to take away health care, James sure has a knack for hiding. If you hear from John James, please do us a favor and give Jim Runestad a call—he must be worried sick watching the James campaign continue crashing out for the whole state to see.”