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Kid Rock Endorses John James in Michigan’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race
Detroit native and cultural icon Kid Rock has officially endorsed Republican Congressman John James in Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!” Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said in a statement released Sunday.
James, currently serving his second term representing a swing congressional district in suburban Detroit, expressed appreciation for the endorsement. “Kid Rock is a good friend. We share our love for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States of America!” he stated. “I’m honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic freedom-loving patriot.”
The endorsement comes at a strategic time for Michigan Republicans, who view both the governor’s office and an open U.S. Senate seat as prime opportunities to flip Democratic control in upcoming elections. Michigan’s gubernatorial race is currently rated a toss-up by major nonpartisan political forecasters, including the Cook Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
James, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran with business experience, previously ran as the Republican nominee for Senate in both 2018 and 2020. His campaign highlighted their shared Detroit roots and vision for Michigan as “a state defined by hard work, manufacturing, culture, and natural beauty — from the Great Lakes to the communities that power the Midwest economy.”
The timing of the endorsement coincides with Kid Rock’s appearance as the headliner for Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” during the Super Bowl, an alternative to the official NFL halftime performance featuring Latin music star Bad Bunny.
Kid Rock has maintained a consistent conservative political profile, most notably as an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump throughout all three of his presidential campaigns. He even performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention, modifying the lyrics to his song “American Bad Ass” to showcase his support for Trump.
Despite James emerging as the clear polling frontrunner in a crowded Republican primary field, Trump himself has not yet weighed in on Michigan’s gubernatorial contest. James’s campaign emphasized his loyalty to Trump, noting that “John James has stood with President Trump consistently since 2018, and every subsequent election, maintaining a clear and steady alignment when others backed his opponents, ran against him, or stayed silent.”
The Republican primary field includes several other notable candidates: former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former state House Speaker Mike Leonard, and businessman Perry Johnson, who previously sought the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and is making his second bid for governor.
On the Democratic side, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads a field of three candidates vying for the nomination. Adding another dimension to the race, former three-term Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit is campaigning as an independent candidate.
The 2026 Michigan governor’s race represents a critical battleground for both parties in a state that has oscillated between Republican and Democratic control in recent elections. With Whitmer unable to seek reelection due to term limits, the contest for Michigan’s top executive position will likely attract significant national attention and resources as both parties vie for control in this pivotal Midwest swing state.
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22 Comments
Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race is sure to stir up a lot of debate. His support could be a significant factor in a closely contested race.
The Michigan gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a battleground, and Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James could be a strategic move to energize the Republican base.
While Kid Rock’s political views are well-known, his endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race adds an interesting twist to the campaign. His support could sway some voters.
The Michigan gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, and Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James is sure to generate a lot of discussion.
Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race is a strategic move, given the state’s importance in national elections. His support could energize the Republican base.
It will be fascinating to see how much of a role Kid Rock’s endorsement plays in the Michigan governor’s race. His celebrity status could be a significant factor.
While Kid Rock’s political views are well-known, his endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race adds an interesting element to the campaign. It will be worth watching to see how much influence his support has.
With the governor’s office and a Senate seat up for grabs, both parties will be closely monitoring the impact of Kid Rock’s endorsement in Michigan. His celebrity status could be a significant factor.
Given Kid Rock’s outspoken conservative views, his endorsement of John James is not entirely surprising. It will be interesting to see how much sway he holds with voters.
With the governor’s office and a Senate seat up for grabs, both parties will be closely monitoring the impact of Kid Rock’s endorsement in Michigan.
Interesting to see Kid Rock throw his weight behind a Republican candidate in a key governor’s race. His endorsement could sway some of his loyal fans in Michigan.
It will be worth watching how much influence Kid Rock’s endorsement has on the race. His fanbase could make a real difference.
While Kid Rock’s political views are well-known, it’s interesting to see him publicly backing a specific candidate. This could energize his supporters, but may also turn off some voters.
It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact Kid Rock’s endorsement has on the Michigan governor’s race. His star power could be a significant factor.
The Michigan gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a hotly contested battle. Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James adds another layer of intrigue to the race.
With the governor’s office and a Senate seat up for grabs, both parties are eyeing Michigan as a crucial battleground. Kid Rock’s endorsement could be a strategic move.
Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race is a bold move, given the state’s political landscape. It will be interesting to see how much influence his support has on the outcome.
With the governor’s office and a Senate seat up for grabs, both parties will be closely monitoring the impact of Kid Rock’s endorsement in Michigan.
Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James in the Michigan governor’s race is sure to generate a lot of discussion. As a prominent Trump ally, his support could be a boost for the Republican candidate.
The Michigan gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, and Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James is sure to add another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Kid Rock’s endorsement of John James is sure to generate a lot of buzz. As a prominent Trump ally, his support could be a boost for the Republican candidate.
The Michigan gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. Kid Rock’s endorsement adds another element of intrigue to the proceedings.