The race for governor in Michigan is heating up and it's a top contender on the ballot. However, frontrunner U.S. Representative John James is facing some challenges, particularly with the state's Black voters. According to the Detroit Free Press, a new survey conducted by Glengariff Group for the Detroit Regional Chamber revealed that James has zero percent support among Black voters, even though he is a Black candidate himself. Out of the 600 voters surveyed, only 81 identified as African American, but the majority of them showed their support for former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent and received 59.3% of the Black respondents' support. Some also expressed their support for Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, while 14.8% were undecided.
This lack of support among Black voters is not the only challenge that James is facing. He has also lost support from other key demographics such as independents, women, metro Detroiters, young voters, and those over the age of 65. This is not good news for James' campaign, especially since Republicans are counting on him to potentially attract voters from Detroit, a historically Democratic city.
Recent events have also not been in James' favor. When President Donald Trump posted a highly offensive image of the Obamas, causing widespread backlash, James found himself in a difficult position. He tried to defend the President while also expressing his disapproval of the post. In a now-deleted post, James wrote that he was "shocked and appalled" by the image, but also stated that he knows Trump personally and does not believe he is racist. However, his attempt to walk the line did not go unnoticed and raised doubts among some voters.
Despite these challenges, James is not the only Black Republican vying for a prominent position in the upcoming midterm elections. Others, such as Florida Rep. Byron Donalds running for governor, Rep. Wesley Hunt for U.S. Texas Senate, and Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams, who became the first Black Republican to be elected to the Ohio House in 50 years in 2022, are also in the spotlight. These candidates hope to be seen as more than just "Black Republicans," but as valuable members of their party's future.
Williams, in particular, believes that representation and inclusion are crucial, but also warns against being placed in a position solely because of the color of one's skin. He stated, "I don't want to be in the room just because they want a Black candidate in the room or a Black congressman. I want to be there because I deserve to be there." With candidates like James, Donalds, and Hunt seeking higher offices, the only Black GOP incumbent currently in the House is Utah's Rep. Burgess Owens, who is set to return in 2027. However, with redistricting looming, Owens may face a tough battle for re-election.
Despite these challenges, the Republican party has seen an increase in popularity among Black voters in recent years. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won 15% of the Black vote, almost double the amount he received in 2020. This growth in support from the Black community is promising for the party, and candidates like James, who are hoping to make a difference in their own communities and beyond.
