John James

Where James stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

John James is fighting to restore freedom and opportunity for every Michigan family.

Michigan gave my family a shot at the American Dream. I’m committed to making that promise real again so our kids build their futures here, not somewhere else. My Freedom Agenda starts with growth: expand opportunity for every community by fostering innovation, supporting small businesses and skilled careers, and promoting open, accountable government that earns trust. We’ll elevate academic excellence with …

Elections, ethics & government

— Brevet Major General William Jenkins Worth, United States Army

“Lansing is a mess – an endless cycle and revolving door of corruption and dishonesty. Authentic freedom for the citizens of Michigan can only be achieved by restoring trust in our leaders. Instilled in me as a young Cadet, the guiding principle in all of my endeavors has always been the West Point Honor Code: ‘A Cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.’ As the only candidate for Governor who …

— John James

After eight years of broken promises and failure by Governor Whitmer, Michigan ranks among the worst states for ethics and transparency. It’s time for a new Governor – a qualified and uncompromised outsider to Lansing and not a career politician – to clean up state government.

Other priorities

Cleaning Up Lansing, Restoring Trust

But an officer on duty knows no one — to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor. What will be thought of him who exacts of his friends that which disgraces him? Look at him who winks at and overlooks offenses in one, which he causes to be punished in another, and contrast him with the inflexible soldier who does his duty faithfully, notwithstanding it occasionally wars with …

Leading By Example

Full Financial Disclosure: As Governor, John James will publicly disclose all of his personal finances, using the same standard under which he disclosed his finances during his service in Congress. John will require the same standard for all senior appointed officials in the executive branch and will call upon the legislature and judiciary to adopt that same standard.

Rooting Out Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

Comprehensive Audit: Conduct a comprehensive audit of all state government expenditures for the past ten years – including MEDC, MDHHS, and COVID-19 handouts – to root out fraud, waste, and abuse, such as what was recently discovered on a massive scale in Minnesota.

Ending the Revolving Door & Closing Loopholes

Ban Session Fundraising: Ban all fundraising by state officials during legislative session. Prohibit all state officials and their staff members from soliciting or receiving campaign contributions while the legislature is in session. This practice is the law in at least 15 other states, including Florida and Texas.