Trump-backed John James wins Michigan GOP primary, setting up high-stakes governor race

President Donald Trump's endorsement power was on full display Tuesday as Republican Rep. John James won the Michigan GOP gubernatorial primary, defeating multimillionaire businessman Perry Johnson. James will now face Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in November to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The West Point graduate and Army Ranger, who served multiple combat tours as an Apache helicopter pilot in Iraq, secured the nomination after Trump endorsed him in late June. The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night.

What does this mean for Iowa?

While the race is in Michigan, the outcome has national implications. Iowa Republicans are watching closely as the 2026 midterm elections shape up. Trump's endorsement record this cycle has been strong, with wins in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona. But there was one notable exception: Iowa.

In early June, Trump's last-minute endorsement of Rep. Randy Feenstra in the race to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't enough. Feenstra was narrowly edged by Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer backed by the Make America Healthy Again movement and Turning Point USA.

Trump's endorsement record: A mixed bag

Trump's endorsement power has been a dominant force in GOP primaries this spring and summer. His candidates ousted incumbents in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, and Louisiana. In South Carolina, his backed candidates both won in a June runoff.

But the Iowa loss to Lahn, who spent heavily from his own pocket, showed that even Trump's backing has limits. The president's streak was also snapped in a Georgia race where billionaire businessman Rick Jackson spent over $100 million of his own money.

The Michigan race: A battleground for conservative values

James, one of the few Black Republicans in Congress, faced a combative primary against Johnson. Johnson referred to James as a 'DEI candidate' and accused him of playing the 'race card.' James called Johnson 'desperate.'

Johnson dramatically outspent James, but James told Fox News on the eve of the primary that 'nobody outworks a ranger' and 'money isn't the only thing. People want someone who resonates with them, someone who has the proven leadership capability to turn the state around.'

James will now face Benson, a Democrat who has overseen Michigan's elections. The general election is expected to be expensive and high-stakes, with both parties eyeing the governor's mansion in a key battleground state.

What Iowans should watch for

Iowa Republicans have their own governor race to watch, but the Michigan contest offers lessons. Trump's endorsement remains powerful, but it's not invincible. Money and grassroots support still matter. And the Make America Healthy Again movement, which backed Lahn in Iowa, is a growing force in GOP primaries.

As the 2026 cycle continues, Iowa voters will see similar dynamics play out. The question is whether Trump's endorsement will be enough to carry candidates in competitive races, or whether local factors will trump national politics.

John Damon is a contributor to Just The News Iowa.