U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) speaks at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Novi on Oct. 26, 2024. | Kyle Davidson
U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) is keeping his seat in Congress against Democratic challenger former Judge Carl Marlinga.
It was a rematch of the 2022 race in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District in which James carved out a victory by securing 1,600 more votes than Marlinga. The 2024 race was not nearly as tight.
The Associated Press called the race at 12:21 p.m. Wednesday with 98% of the unofficial vote in. James was at 51.1% and Marlinga earned 45%. James declared victory before 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, posting on social media: “Reporting for my second tour of duty! Michigan never quits. And neither will I. Thank you. God bless.”
As Republicans have fought to keep their narrow majority in the U.S. House, a handful of Michigan’s congressional races like the 10th have been closely watched.
James, a combat veteran and businessman, will continue to represent the 10th District which is politically diverse with southern Macomb County leaning more Democratic, and parts of central Macomb County and Oakland County, which lean more Republican.
In 2022, James, former President Donald Trump’s pick for the seat, became Michigan’s first Black Republican congressman. On the campaign trail, James’ office touted bills he sponsored in office, including bills supporting mental health services, investigating human trafficking and security-related legislation.
James unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2022.
Marlinga told the Michigan Advance along the campaign trail that he decided to challenge James in 2022 after seeing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump, saying he couldn’t abide the threat right-wing extremists pose on democracy. James has been endorsed by Trump in his races.
