Nesbitt drops out of governor race following James’ Trump endorsement

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced he is dropping out of the Republican gubernatorial primary following President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. John James on Monday.

Nesbitt said in an announcement on X he entered the race 18 months ago to “deliver a ‘Make It In Michigan’ agenda for the farmers, families, autoworkers, seniors, and small business owners who have kept this state strong, despite years of failed Democratic policies in Lansing.”

However, he was suspending his campaign and “proudly joining President Trump in endorsing John James as Michigan’s next governor,” saying it was time for Republicans to unite behind a candidate.

“John James is a decorated combat veteran who flew helicopters in Iraq, a successful businessman who created jobs, and a fighter who has consistently stood with President Trump’s agenda,” Nesbitt said in a post on X. “He is the best candidate to defeat the Whitmer-Benson agenda of higher taxes, higher prices, woke policies, and incompetent leadership. A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite. I’m asking every one of you who supported this campaign to stand with me behind John James, roll up our sleeves, and deliver a Republican victory in November.”

He is the second candidate to drop out of the Republican gubernatorial primary and endorse James. Former House Speaker Tom Leonard dropped out of the race earlier this year.

The other two Republican opponents, former attorney general Mike Cox and Perry Johnson, put out statements saying they would continue forward in the primary.