Donald Trump endorsed John James in the Michigan governor race on Monday, then Aric Nesbitt suspended his campaign and backed James the same day. James thanked Trump in social media posts, calling him "The greatest President of my lifetime."
Trump's John James Endorsement
Trump wrote, "It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Congressman, John James, who is running to become the next Governor of the Beautiful State of Michigan!" He added, "John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!"
James is running to become the next Governor of Michigan, and Trump's post gives him the most visible outside backing in the race. The endorsement arrived on Monday and immediately became the day's central development for Republican voters deciding between candidates in the Michigan governor race.
Aric Nesbitt Leaves Primary
Nesbitt said his campaign had always been about the people of Michigan and about standing with Trump to defeat the Democrats in November. He also said, "A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite."
Nesbitt then suspended his campaign and endorsed John James as Michigan’s next Governor. He asked supporters to stand behind James and deliver a Republican victory in November.
Perry Johnson Pushes Back
Perry Johnson said, "President Trump received bad advice yet again." He also called James "a two-time statewide loser" and said Trump-backed statewide candidates like James, Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, and Kristina Karamo all came up short when it mattered most.
That pushback keeps a split inside the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary in view even after Nesbitt’s exit. Mike Cox tried to draw the opposite lesson, writing, "Like @POTUS, I’ve won Michigan twice by building a coalition of working Michiganders who are sick of being screwed by the elites."
With Nesbitt out, the race now moves forward with James carrying Trump's endorsement and one fewer Republican rival in the field. The remaining question is how many candidates stay in the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary before November, when the party picks its nominee.
