Patriot, it’s John James. 

I wanted to introduce myself. Before I say anything else—as someone who has logged 750 combat hours in Iraq—I know every second counts, and there’s not a moment in the day we should be wasting. I promise I will not waste your time.

I just want to tell you a little about myself; it’s about time we got well-acquainted.

I was born and raised in Michigan, and throughout high school, I felt a deep-rooted call to service. I decided I wouldn’t just read about service in the magazines, I would live it.

Eventually, this led me to apply to West Point, and my decision to serve my country would make me the man I am today. 

Graduating from West Point was just the beginning of my eight years in the United States Army. 

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, I led Apache Helicopter Platoons, and I feel like I spent more time in the air than I did on the ground. Some nights, I didn’t know if I’d make it through the next day, and every mission I flew, I went into the unknown. Throughout my service, I had the honor of receiving a Combat Action Badge and two Air Medals. 

I wouldn’t trade my time in the service for anything, but I’ll be honest, it was good coming home, and I can rest easy knowing I did my country proud.

After coming back stateside, I swapped my fatigues for a suit. I took over the family business, creating jobs here in Michigan and earning a master’s in supply chain management from Penn State and an MBA from the University of Michigan. I was never one to rest, and after making so many life-or-death decisions in Iraq, I knew every second mattered; I wanted to make the most of my time for my family and me. 

I never for a second considered running for office, and the last thing I’d consider myself is a politician…

But there comes a point in your life when you stop looking at the issues surrounding you and start thinking about what you can do to fix them. 

I saw the Democrats destroying our country, and I knew my service to this great nation wasn’t over yet. Everybody told me running for office isn’t easy, but my heart was telling me it was the right thing to do.

I won my election, with the help of President Trump, and started delivering results for my new constituents.

Then, in 2023, when the Establishment tried to move on from Trump and being MAGA was seen as risky or politically inconvenient, I was among the first in Michigan to endorse President Trump for 2024.

Loyalty isn’t a talking point to me; it’s the only way I know how to operate.

My dedication to this country, my loyalty towards my constituents, and my desire to see the greatest nation on earth excel are part of the reasons why I’m now emailing you, but they’re not my #1 reason why…

These three kids are the reason why I’m sending this message to you, as a Republican and father running to be the next governor of Michigan

Having my own family taught me more lessons than I could list, and it was the one thing being in the U.S. Army didn’t prepare me for. But it also awoke in me a desire to do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING I can to ensure my kids have bright futures. 

My family means everything to me, and Michigan is our home; that’s why I will fight like my life depends on it to save this state and win this November.

Now that I’ve told you a little about me and my story, I’m hoping I can count on you to do me one favor in the next thirty minutes.

I’m under no illusions; I know this election will be one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced in my entire life, but after everything I’ve done in my service, it’s nothing I can’t handle.

Unfortunately, the one thing I can’t directly control is spending, and the Democrats will do everything in their power to stop my campaign from making it to the ballot box this November.

Nothing can stop us from saving this country if we stand together. 

Today, I’m asking you to make a small-dollar gift of $10, $25, $50 or ANYTHING you can spare to fuel my campaign’s fight as we approach our upcoming primary election. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I hope to hear from you in the days to come.

Best,

John James

Faith, Family, God, Country, and Michigan First

  Paid for by John James for MI

35744 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

The use of John James' military images, uniforms, or personnel does not imply endorsement by the Department of War or any branch of the U.S. military.