President Trump announced his endorsement of Rep. John James (R-MI) in the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary on Monday, declaring him “the next Governor of the Beautiful State of Michigan.” In a Truth Social post, Trump hailed James as a “West Point Graduate, Combat Pilot, Brave Iraq War Veteran, Successful Businessman and Job Creator” who would “fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans.”

James responded with a pledge to “cut taxes. Repeal the energy mandates crushing working families. Audit the waste. And hold the fraudsters accountable,” while condemning Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for policies he claimed “driven up costs, put violent criminals back on our streets, allowed non-citizens to vote.”

The endorsement immediately triggered a shift in Michigan’s primary race. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), the only GOP candidate outside metro Detroit, dropped out of the contest and publicly endorsed James, stating: “John James is a decorated combat veteran who flew helicopters in Iraq, a successful businessman who created jobs, and a fighter who has consistently stood with President Trump’s agenda. He is the best candidate to defeat the Whitmer-Benson agenda.” Nesbitt emphasized his commitment to “deliver a Republican victory in November” under Trump’s leadership.

Other candidates remaining include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson, who both vowed to continue competing despite Nesbitt’s exit. Cox declared, “Our momentum is strong, and our fight continues,” while Johnson labeled Trump’s endorsement “misguided” and insisted defeating James in the primary was critical for Republican success.

The August 4 gubernatorial primary remains active as Michigan’s elections board certified Nesbitt to appear on the ballot earlier this month.