BIRCH RUN, Mich. — Republican gubernatorial candidate John James says Michigan needs new leadership to address rising costs, economic challenges and concerns about residents leaving the state.
In an interview with independent journalist Dave Bondy at a campaign event in Birch Run, James discussed his priorities for Michigan, including lowering gas taxes, reducing electricity costs and creating more economic opportunities for families.
James, who currently represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, pointed to his military service and business experience as qualifications for the governor’s office.
“I’m a combat veteran. I flew 750 hours combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” James said.
James also discussed his experience helping grow his family’s Detroit business, which he said provided jobs and scholarships for hundreds of Michigan residents.
One of the central topics of the interview was why some young people are considering leaving Michigan to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Bondy raised the issue by mentioning that his 13-year-old daughter has expressed interest in eventually leaving the state.
James blamed what he described as years of unsuccessful state policies.
“The people are leaving Michigan because it’s a symptom of the loss of hope that a lot of folks have after the past eight years of failed policy,” James said.
He cited rankings from U.S. News & World Report that he said placed Michigan near the bottom nationally in several categories, including the economy, infrastructure and education. The rankings were not independently verified during the interview.
James said Michigan should focus on creating opportunities that encourage residents to stay.
“We need to make sure that everybody can have prosperity and once again have the American dream in the state of Michigan,” he said.
James also directed criticism toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and the direction of the Democratic Party.
When asked what voters could expect from Benson, James argued that Democrats have moved further to the political left.
“You have Democrats who run as moderates and then they govern as Marxists as soon as they get elected,” James said.
He also pointed to political developments involving several Michigan Democrats, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and Attorney General Dana Nessel, as examples he believes demonstrate divisions within the party.
“Their party has gone extreme,” James said.
Those statements reflect James’ political assessment and were not independently established during the interview.
Benson did not participate in the interview. Bondy said he had requested an interview with her but had not received a response at the time of recording.
With Michigan residents continuing to face concerns about the cost of living, Bondy asked James how he would address high gasoline and grocery prices.
James said he has advocated suspending state and federal gasoline taxes to provide temporary relief to drivers.
He criticized Benson and other Democratic leaders over their positions on proposed gas tax changes.
James also identified electricity costs as a priority, criticizing regulatory decisions made under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
He argued that Michigan residents are paying too much for electricity and that the state needs regulators who prioritize affordability and reliability.
“I support getting new regulators that will focus on reliability and lowering your electricity bills,” James said.
His claims about Michigan’s relative energy costs and the actions of Democratic officials were not independently verified during the interview.
James briefly identified housing and health care as additional issues he wants to address as governor, although the interview did not explore specific proposals in those areas.
He encouraged voters to learn more about his campaign and policy positions.
The interview was part of Bondy’s effort to speak with candidates running for Michigan governor and give voters an opportunity to hear directly from them.
Bondy said he has also reached out to Benson and would publish an interview with her if one is arranged.
The interview took place in Birch Run, Michigan.
