From the Washington Examiner: Rep. John James (R-MI) is making GOP leadership nervous with a run for Michigan governor that is putting a swing seat, and possibly the House majority, further in play for Democrats next year.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), the No. 4-ranking House Republican, told the Washington Examiner it was “100% not ideal” that James was leaving his seat in Michigan’s 10th District open, expressing concern that it makes keeping Republicans’ two-seat majority more difficult in 2026.
“That’s an understatement to say that it’s not ideal,” she said on Mackinac Island, where Michigan Republicans gathered over the weekend for a biannual conference.
“We have some really good candidates that are either in the race or talking about being in the race, so I’m confident that we will be able to keep that seat. It’s just gonna take a lot of resources,” she added.
Voicing her dismay, McClain said James is “absolutely” jeopardizing the House seat.
“I mean, if we’re going to be honest, we spent $40 million to keep that seat for him over the two cycles, right? It stings us to have him leave that seat, there’s no question. This would be his, what, third term?” she explained.
“You know, to have that an open seat, A, it’s going to cost us more money and, two, you have a new face: It would be a heck of a lot easier for us to keep that seat if he stayed,” McClain continued.
Current Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is term-limited, so will not be able to run for reelection. This has prompted a number of candidates, both Democrat and Republican, to launch a run for the coveted seat.
James explained his mission in his race for governor during an interview in August.
My parents were able to come to Michigan to pursue the American Dream.
Right now, too many are leaving our state because they don’t see that future.
As Governor, I’ll focus on affordability and accessibility so every Michigander can have a shot at the American Dream. pic.twitter.com/xizr0QPj4T
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) August 10, 2025
NEW: Lisa McClain, the No. 4 House R, offered rare criticism of John James, telling me he is “absolutely” jeopardizing his swing seat with a run for Michigan governor.
“It stings us to have him leave that seat, there’s no question.” https://t.co/0YsSmn1giX
— David Sivak (@DISivak) September 22, 2025
READ MORE from the Washington Examiner.
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