John James makes lieutenant governor pick in Michigan governor’s race
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Updated Aug. 13, 2026, 8:51 a.m. ET
GOP gubernatorial nominee U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, has tapped state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, as his selection for lieutenant governor, a running mate with a history of fighting Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic pick to be Michigan’s next governor.
James made the announcement in an Aug. 13 post on the social media platform X, touting DeBoyer’s experience in business, local government and elections.
“He knows how to work with both parties in the Legislature to get things done,” James wrote. “He will lead the fight against corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse, protecting core services while fixing what’s broken.”
DeBoyer chairs the Michigan House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee. In his role, he has battled James’ opponent. For instance, DeBoyer has accused Benson of obscuring training materials for election officials from state lawmakers. Benson has argued that some of the materials sought could make Michigan vulnerable to attacks, such as an effort to tamper with equipment or impersonate an election official. During a fiery exchange in a June 2025 committee hearing, he zeroed in on her violation of the state’s campaign law when she held a launch event for her campaign for governor in the building that houses her department’s offices.
DeBoyer was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022. His district includes parts of Macomb and St. Clair counties. He previously served as St. Clair County’s clerk for 12 years and as Clay Township’s trustee and supervisor. He has owned a lumber business since 1994, according to the Michigan House Republicans’ website.
The Michigan GOP will hold its next convention Aug. 22, when the party will formally nominate Republicans for lieutenant governor and several other statewide offices.
Benson must choose her running mate by Aug. 25. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again due to term limits. The election to replace her will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743.
