Republican gubernatorial nominee John James named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his lieutenant governor running mate Thursday, Aug. 13, setting the GOP ticket for the Nov. 3 general election and putting pressure on Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, who is reportedly considering Lansing state Sen. Sarah Anthony for the same role.
Benson, Michigan's current secretary of state, has until Tuesday, Aug. 25 to announce her pick. She is weighing three candidates, according to MLive, citing The Detroit News: former state Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich of Flint, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids and Anthony, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Anthony, who represents Lansing, has been a visible figure in local government. She briefed the Ingham County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 on state budget pressures, warning that federal actions had "blown a large hole" into Michigan's budget. Anthony could not be reached for comment as of Aug. 14.
The James-DeBoyer ticket
James, a U.S. representative from Shelby Township and West Point graduate, announced the pick in a post on X.
"I am choosing Jay DeBoyer as my running mate because he has run a business, served in local government, and overseen elections," James wrote. "He knows how to work with both parties in the Legislature to get things done."
DeBoyer, 56, represents the 63rd House district covering St. Clair County and a portion of Macomb County. He is serving his second term and chairs the House Oversight Committee. Before joining the Legislature in 2022, he spent 12 years as St. Clair County's clerk and register of deeds and served as Clay Township's trustee and supervisor. He has owned an engineered lumber business since 1994.
The pick fills a gap both campaigns have acknowledged: neither James nor Benson has served in the state Legislature, and reporting from WLNS indicated both were seeking Capitol experience in a running mate.
DeBoyer has clashed with Benson in his oversight role, accusing her of obscuring election training materials from state lawmakers, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Republican political strategist Andrea Bitely told Bridge Michigan the pick gives James Lansing legislative experience he was lacking, and predicted DeBoyer would take on more of the attacking role against Benson during the campaign.
The James-DeBoyer ticket marks the first time since 1978 the Michigan Republican Party will not have a female candidate at the top of its statewide ticket, according to MIRS and Gongwer news services cited by Bridge Michigan.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel called the pair MAGA extremists who would prioritize Trump over Michigan.
What's next
The Michigan GOP will formally ratify DeBoyer's nomination at its state convention in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, Aug. 22. Benson's deadline to name her running mate is Tuesday, Aug. 25, ahead of the Democratic Party's August convention. The general election is Nov. 3; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot seek reelection due to term limits.
