Republican U.S. Rep. John James picked state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Twp., as his running mate for Michigan’s 2026 governors race.
If the pick is approved at the Aug. 22 Republican Nominating Convention, it will be the first time Republicans don’t have a woman candidate on their ticket in 48 years.
Political career
DeBoyer was first elected to the state house in 2022, and was reelected in 2024. He was appointed by House Speaker Matt Hall to be the chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee in 2025.
DeBoyer formerly led the House’s Conservative Caucus. In the past, he’s supported abolishing the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would make photo ID and proof of citizenship mandatory at voting booths.
Before politics
Before joining the legislature, DeBoyer served as the county clerk in St. Clair County for 12 years. He also said he’s owned a small business for over 30 years, specializing in engineered lumber.
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