John James (Michigan politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 10th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Lisa McClain (redistricted) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 8, 1981 Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Elizabeth James |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 2004–2012 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Aviation Branch |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Ranger Tab |
John Edward James (born June 8, 1981) is an American businessman, a combat veteran, and a politician. He is currently a U.S. representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district. He has held this position since 2023. John James is a member of the Republican Party. He also ran for the U.S. Senate in Michigan in both 2018 and 2020.
In 2022, James ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's new 10th district. He won against the Democratic candidate, Carl Marlinga. James was elected for a second term in 2024.
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Early Life and Military Service
John James was born in Southfield, Michigan, in 1981. He grew up in Detroit. He went to Brother Rice High School and graduated in 1999.
After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2004. He then served for eight years in the Army. During his time in the Army, he was an AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot. He completed several tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. He also went to the Ranger School and earned his Ranger Tab as a Captain.
After his military service, James continued his education. He earned a master's degree in supply chain management from Penn State University. He also received an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from the University of Michigan.
Business Career
In 2012, John James joined James Group International, a company his father led. This company helps manage global supply chains, which means they help move goods and products around the world. James became the director of operations. Later, he became the president of James Group International. He also became the CEO of one of its related companies, Renaissance Global Logistics, based in Detroit.
James was recognized for his work in business. He was named one of Detroit Business Journal's "30 in their 30s" in 2012. The Michigan Chronicle also listed him in their "40 under 40" in 2014. He has served on several important business councils and boards in Michigan.
Political Career
Running for U.S. Senate in 2018
In 2017, John James decided to run for the United States Senate in Michigan. He wanted to challenge the current senator, Debbie Stabenow, who was a Democrat. If he won, he would have been Michigan's first African-American senator.
During the Republican primary election, James was endorsed by then-President Donald Trump. This helped him win the nomination with 55% of the votes. However, in the main election on November 6, 2018, Senator Stabenow won against James.
Running for U.S. Senate in 2020
Because the 2018 election was closer than many expected, John James was encouraged to run for the Senate again in 2020. This time, he ran against Michigan's other Democratic senator, Gary Peters.
On June 6, 2019, James announced his campaign for the 2020 Senate election. The election was very close. Although the Associated Press announced that Senator Peters had won, James initially did not accept the results. He said he believed there was "ample evidence" for an investigation, but he did not provide specific proof. He raised money to challenge the election results and tried to stop them from being officially confirmed. He lost to Peters by a small margin of 1.7% of the votes. On November 24, James officially conceded (accepted the loss) on social media and congratulated Senator Peters.
During his campaign, James promised to donate 5% of the money he raised to charity. His campaign committee reported raising about $46.12 million for the 2020 election. They gave more than $2.36 million to different charities.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2022 Election
In 2022, John James ran for the United States House of Representatives in Michigan's 10th congressional district. This district had been redrawn, meaning its boundaries were changed. He won the Republican primary election. In the general election in November, he defeated the Democratic candidate, Carl Marlinga.
2024 Election
John James won his second term as a U.S. Representative on November 5, 2024.
Committee Assignments
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, John James serves on several important committees. These committees study different topics and help create laws.
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: This committee deals with things like roads, bridges, airports, and water systems.
- Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Vice Chair): He helps lead discussions about water-related issues.
- Subcommittee on Aviation: This group focuses on air travel and airports.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs: This committee works on relationships between the United States and other countries.
- Subcommittee on Africa (Chairman): He leads discussions about U.S. relations with countries in Africa.
- Subcommittee for Western Hemisphere: This group focuses on countries in North and South America.
- Committee on Education and the Workforce: This committee handles laws related to schools, colleges, and jobs.
- Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development: This group focuses on colleges and job training.
- Committee on Energy and Commerce: This committee deals with energy, trade, and health.
Political Views
During his 2018 Senate campaign, John James described himself as a "pro-Second Amendment, pro-business conservative." This means he supports the right to own guns and believes in policies that help businesses grow.
James has said he wants to change or replace the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare). He has called it "a monstrosity." He has stated that he is against getting rid of the Affordable Care Act without having a new plan ready to take its place.
James supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. He later said that if elected to the Senate, he would strongly support Trump. During his 2020 campaign, James accepted Trump's support and campaigned with him. James has explained that he believes it is better to work quietly with leaders to achieve goals for his community, rather than publicly criticizing them. He said his goal was "achieving equity and equality for our people."
James has chosen not to take specific public stances on some policy questions during his campaigns. This includes how to protect Social Security funds or whether military bases named after Confederate generals should be renamed.
Personal Life
John James married his wife, Elizabeth, in 2012. They have three sons together.
James is a nondenominational Christian. He lives in Shelby Charter Township, Michigan.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of African-American United States Senate candidates
