John James, a Republican who previously mounted two unsuccessful U.S. Senate bids in Michigan, has announced a third bid, this time to represent the state’s newly drawn 10th Congressional District.
“I’m John James, and I want to grow your economy, not Washington’s. I’m an open-minded, free thinking conservative, and I’m not afraid to listen, even if you disagree with me,” the military veteran said in a campaign video.
“I fought on the battlefield for American lives and in business for good-paying jobs that fuel livelihoods. I will continue to fight for the hardworking families in Michigan’s 10th district as today I announce my run for Congress,” he tweeted.
James lost the 2018 Senate contest to incumbent Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. He later lost the 2020 Senate election to incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, though the Republican lost that contest by less than two percentage points, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Then-President Donald Trump endorsed James in both of those previous races.
“Freedom is on the ballot right now. Our futures are on the ballot right now,” James said during a Monday appearance on “Fox and Friends.”
The Michigan Democratic Party issued a statement about James’ latest election bid: “Losing two statewide campaigns two election cycles in a row should send a clear message to John James, Michiganders are not interested in him representing them. As much as John James loves to run, he apparently also loves to lose,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said in the statement.