Republican U.S. Rep. John James is making tax relief part of his bid to lead Michigan, pairing an income-tax reduction proposal with a campaign projection of at least $3 billion in first-year cuts and recoveries.
The Michigan Department of State lists James and running mate Jay DeBoyer as the Republican ticket for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The state listing records April 20, 2026, as their filing date. James announced his candidacy on April 7, 2025, citing his experience running an automotive business in Michigan and his military service in combat.
Under his affordability plan, James would cut the state income-tax burden by 25% immediately and aim to end it over time. The campaign says spending reductions and other recoveries could generate at least $3 billion in the first year to help finance its proposals. That figure is an unverified campaign estimate. The campaign says workers, families and small businesses would benefit from lower taxes and other cost measures.
James’ campaign also proposes limiting annual increases on residential electricity bills subject to state regulation to the inflation rate or less. It would raise Michigan’s electric-choice cap from 10% to 30%. The campaign argues that states without income taxes attract people, businesses and investment, citing Tennessee, Florida and Texas.
The campaign’s wider economic program includes measures to expand growth, encourage innovation in industry, assist small firms and support training for skilled work. Official House history records that James began serving in Congress on Jan. 3, 2023. He previously ran for the Senate in 2018 and 2020, losing both races.
James’ U.S. House biography says he served on active duty from 2004 to 2012 and commanded two Apache platoons in combat in Iraq from 2007 to 2009. He later served as president of James Group International and CEO of Renaissance Global Logistics, a Detroit-based supply-chain and logistics company.
Michigan voters will choose their next governor Tuesday, Nov. 3.
