Trump Endorses John James for Michigan Governor, Prompting 1 Rival to Quit

3 articles · Updated · Detroit News · Jun 22

John James won Donald Trump’s endorsement for Michigan governor on Monday, a move that immediately strengthened the congressman’s standing 43 days before the Aug. 4 Republican primary.
Two hours later, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt ended his campaign and backed James, while analysts said Trump’s support could effectively seal the nomination.
The endorsement undercut claims that Trump preferred James to seek reelection in his battleground House seat, where Republicans hold only a razor-thin majority.
Mike Cox vowed to stay in, and self-funded businessman Perry Johnson argued an endorsement alone would not decide the race despite spending millions on ads casting himself as Trump-like.
Trump also backed Michael Bouchard in the 10th District and Amir Hassan in the 8th, as Michigan Republicans head into absentee voting this week and Democrats frame James as tied to Trump’s agenda.