John James (Michigan politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James
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Official portrait, 2022
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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 |
John Edward James
June 8, 1981 Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Elizabeth James |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | |
| Website | |
| Military service | |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Service years | 2004–2012 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Aviation Branch |
| Conflict | Iraq War |
| Awards | Ranger Tab |
John Edward James (born June 8, 1981) is an American politician and businessman. 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 was also a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020.
In 2022, James ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 10th district. He won this election and was re-elected in 2024. On April 7, 2025, James announced he would run for governor of Michigan in the 2026 election.
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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 (West Point), which is a famous school for training Army officers. He graduated in 2004. John James served in the Army for eight years. During this time, he was an AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot. He served in the Iraq War (called Operation Iraqi Freedom). He also completed Ranger School, which is a very tough training program for soldiers.
After his military service, James continued his education. He earned a master's degree in supply chain management from Penn State University. He also got an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from the University of Michigan.
Business Career and Leadership
In 2012, John James joined James Group International. This is a company that helps manage global supply chains. His father, John A. James, was the CEO. John James became the director of operations. Later, he became president of James Group International. He also became CEO of its part-company, Renaissance Global Logistics.
Renaissance Global Logistics is based in Detroit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company received a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program.
James has been recognized for his business leadership. He was named one of Detroit Business Journal's "30 in their 30s" in 2012. He was also on Michigan Chronicle's "40 under 40" list in 2014. He has served on several important boards. These include the Michigan Council for Future Mobility and the Detroit Workforce Development Board.
Political Journey
Running for U.S. Senate in 2018
In 2017, John James decided to run for the United States Senate in Michigan. He wanted to become Michigan's first African-American senator. He ran as a Republican against the Democratic senator, Debbie Stabenow.
Former President Donald Trump supported James in his campaign. James won the Republican nomination with 55% of the votes. However, in the main election on November 6, 2018, Senator Stabenow won against James.
Consideration for United Nations Ambassador
After the 2018 election, John James was considered for a big job. President Trump thought about nominating him to be the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. This role represents the U.S. at the United Nations. James met with President Trump and other leaders at the White House.
However, he was not chosen for the position at that time. Later, he was considered again, but another person was nominated.
Running for U.S. Senate in 2020
Because the 2018 Senate race was very close, John James decided to run for the U.S. Senate again in 2020. This time, he ran against Michigan's other Democratic senator, Gary Peters.
John James announced his campaign on June 6, 2019. The election was very close. Although he lost to Senator Peters, the difference in votes was smaller than expected. After the election, James raised money for a legal fund to look into the results. He later congratulated Senator Peters and accepted the outcome.
During his campaign, John James promised to give 5% of the money he raised to charity. He kept this promise, donating over $2.36 million to charities.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Winning Elections
2022 Election
In 2022, John James ran for the United States House of Representatives in Michigan's 10th congressional district. He won the Republican primary election. Then, in the general election in November, he defeated Democrat Carl Marlinga.
2024 Election
John James ran for re-election in 2024 for his seat in the House. He won a second term on November 5, 2024. He again defeated Carl Marlinga, winning 51.1% of the votes.
Committee Roles
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, John James serves on several important committees. These committees work on different topics to create laws and oversee government actions.
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: This committee deals with roads, bridges, airports, and other public works.
- Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Vice Chair): Focuses on water-related projects and environmental protection.
- Subcommittee on Aviation: Deals with air travel and aviation rules.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs: This committee handles relationships with other countries.
- Subcommittee on Africa (Chairman): Focuses on issues related to African nations.
- Subcommittee for Western Hemisphere: Deals with countries in North and South America.
- Committee on Education and the Workforce: This committee works on laws about schools, colleges, and jobs.
- Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development: Focuses on college education and job training.
- Committee on Energy and Commerce: This committee covers topics like energy, health, and trade.
Political Views
John James describes himself as a conservative. This means he generally believes in traditional values and limited government. He supports the Second Amendment, which is about the right to own guns. He also supports policies that help businesses grow.
He has said he wants to change the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which is a healthcare law. He believes it should be replaced with a better plan.
John James supported Donald Trump during his presidential campaigns. He has campaigned alongside Trump. James has said his goal is to help achieve fairness and equality for people, especially in the African American community.
He has also stated that he does not believe employers should be able to fire workers because of their sexual orientation. He is against the death penalty.
Running for Governor in 2026
On April 7, 2025, John James announced that he is running for governor of Michigan in the 2026 election.
Personal Life
John James married his wife, Elizabeth, in 2012. They have three sons. James has shared a personal experience about an encounter with police where officers drew their guns on him. He believes that if Elizabeth had not been with him, the situation might have been worse. He has also spoken about his fear when police pull him over during a traffic stop.
James is a nondenominational Christian. He lives in Shelby Township, Michigan.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2022
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John James with President Donald Trump in September 2018
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John James and other members of Congress visiting Israel in November 2023
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