To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet John James.

With experience as a combat-veteran and businessman, John James is running to represent the state of Michigan in the U.S. Senate. “From the battlefield to the shop floor, I have worked my entire life placing service before self. I’m a husband, father, combat veteran, and businessman. I believe that now more than ever it’s time for fresh, proven leadership in Washington to produce tangible results for Michigan,” said John. As a senator, John’s top priorities would include health care, job creation, and national security. To support the growth of our economy, John said he would reduce or eliminate problematic barriers to entry for entrepreneurs who want to create jobs. “We need to jump-start our economy safely especially due to the setbacks COVID-19 has caused. We also need to ensure we have fair and free trade that opens access to markets across the globe.” When not on the campaign trail, John spends his time watching movies with his sons and enjoying home-cooked meals, specifically chicken and rice. Meet John.

NAME
John James

AFFILIATION
Republican

POSITION SEEKING
U.S. Senate

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
State of Michigan

EMAIL
john@johnjamesforsenate.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

From the battlefield to the shop floor, I have worked my entire life placing service before self. I’m a husband, father, combat veteran, and businessman. I believe that, now more than ever, it’s time for fresh, proven leadership in Washington to produce tangible results for Michigan.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

• Health care: Focusing on access to affordable, quality health care that is patient-centered, market-based, and protects people with preexisting conditions.
• Job Creation: Reducing (or eliminating) barriers to entry for entrepreneurs who want to create jobs in their community.
• National Security: Champion national security policies that secure our positioning as the leaders and best in the global marketplace.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTION OF THE OFFICE?

I’m a combat veteran. As a Ranger-qualified Apache helicopter pilot, I led two Apache platoons in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I’ve also run a successful auto logistics company and created jobs and economic opportunity. I have experience leading people from all backgrounds in the toughest of environments and will use this experience when elected to the U.S. Senate.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

By reducing (or eliminating) problematic barriers to entry for entrepreneurs who want to create jobs in their community. We need to jump-start our economy safely especially due to the setbacks COVID-19 has caused. We also need to ensure we have fair and free trade that opens access to markets across the globe.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” movie soundtrack.

FAVORITE MOVIE

Most of the movies I watch these days are on Disney+. My three young boys never let an evening go to waste when it comes to rewatching “The Incredibles.”

FAVORITE BOOK

My favorite book is whatever I am reading currently. I recently finished “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance. I highly recommend it.

FAVORITE FOOD

Chicken and Rice! Food options during a statewide campaign are few and far between which means that home-cooked meals are especially important when I am able to get them.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The General Election will be held on November 3. John James is seeking this seat as a Republican.