James Announces Running Mate
Republican John James Names Jay DeBoyer as Running Mate for Michigan Governor
Key Points
DeBoyer's background includes 12 years as St. Clair County clerk and service as Clay Township trustee and supervisor, and he has run a lumber business since 1994; his district covers parts of Macomb and St. Clair counties.
As chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, DeBoyer has pressed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on election issues, including accusations that Benson obscured training materials for election officials and a June 2025 committee hearing highlighted concerns about campaign-law violations tied to her campaign launch.
James's Aug. 4 Republican primary win against Perry Johnson brought him roughly 50% of the vote, signaling early strength in the governor race.
Benson’s running-mate process remains ongoing with an Aug. 25 deadline; reports indicate she is weighing candidates such as Jim Ananich, Sarah Anthony, and Winnie Brinks as possible partners.
Republican U.S. Rep. John James has picked State Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate in the race for Michigan governor, according to Fox 2 Detroit. DeBoyer, who represents the 63rd District covering parts of St. Clair and Macomb counties, will join James on the GOP ticket heading into the November election against Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
James said DeBoyer embodies principles of "integrity, competence, and trust" in government, citing his business background and local leadership, Deadline Detroit reported. The announcement marks James's first major campaign decision after winning the August 4 Republican primary with roughly 50% of the vote.
DeBoyer's Long Road From Township Trustee to Lansing
DeBoyer has deep roots in local government. He served as Clay Township trustee and supervisor before spending 12 years as St. Clair County clerk. He has also run a lumber business since 1994. James argued that background makes DeBoyer ready to govern from day one, according to Michigan Advance.
DeBoyer is a two-term state lawmaker, My UP Now reported. His district sits in the Thumb region of Michigan, covering southern St. Clair County and a small slice of northern Macomb County. James said DeBoyer "knows how to work with both parties to get things done," according to Deadline Detroit.
DeBoyer Has Spent Months Pressing Benson on Elections
DeBoyer chairs the Michigan House Oversight Committee. In that role, he has repeatedly targeted Benson, James's November opponent. He accused Benson of hiding training materials sent to local election officials. A June 2025 committee hearing also raised concerns about campaign-law violations tied to her campaign launch, Michigan Advance reported.
That oversight record gives the James ticket a built-in attack line against Benson. James framed the pick as a signal that his administration would restore public trust in state government and election processes, according to Fox 2 Detroit.
GOP Convention Set for August 22 to Lock In the Ticket
The Michigan GOP will hold its convention on August 22 to formally nominate DeBoyer as the lieutenant governor candidate, along with other statewide offices. The deadline for naming a running mate is August 25, giving the party a tight but workable window, WZZM 13 reported.
James won the August 4 primary against Perry Johnson with about 50% of the vote. That strong showing gave him early momentum heading into the convention and the general election campaign, according to My UP Now.
Benson Still Searching for Her Running Mate
On the Democratic side, Benson has not yet named a running mate. She faces the same August 25 deadline. Reports indicate she is weighing at least three names: Jim Ananich, Sarah Anthony, and Winnie Brinks, according to Michigan Advance.
The November matchup sets up a sharp contrast. James and DeBoyer will run on government accountability and election integrity. Benson, as the current Secretary of State, will likely defend her record. Michigan's governor race is shaping up as one of the most closely watched in the country.
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