John James tapped Jay DeBoyer as his running mate for lieutenant governor in Michigan's governor's race on Aug. 13. He made the choice in a post on X, putting the Michigan GOP ticket in place before the Aug. 22 convention.
Jay DeBoyer in Michigan
James said DeBoyer brings experience in business, local government and elections. In the same post, James wrote, "He knows how to work with both parties in the Legislature to get things done" and "He will lead the fight against corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse, protecting core services while fixing what's broken."
DeBoyer chairs the Michigan House Oversight Committee and was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022. His district includes parts of Macomb and St. Clair counties, and he ran unopposed in the August primary election to keep his current seat.
Jocelyn Benson and June 2025
The pick also ties James's ticket to DeBoyer's clashes with Jocelyn Benson. In June 2025, DeBoyer focused on Benson's violation of the state's campaign law when she held a launch event for her campaign for governor in the building that houses her department's offices, and he accused her of obscuring training materials for election officials from state lawmakers.
Before joining the Michigan House, DeBoyer served as St. Clair County's clerk for 12 years and as Clay Township's trustee and supervisor. He has owned a lumber business since 1994, giving James a running mate with a record that spans business and local government.
Aug. 22 convention
The Michigan GOP will formally nominate Republicans for lieutenant governor and other statewide offices at its Aug. 22 convention. If DeBoyer is nominated, local GOP party leaders will select someone to replace him in the Michigan House.
Benson must choose her running mate by Aug. 25, and the race to replace Gretchen Whitmer will be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 3. James's pick puts his ticket ahead of that deadline and leaves the House seat question to the party process that follows a nomination.
