Kid Rock Endorses Rep. John James for Michigan Governor

The musician and Trump ally backs the GOP frontrunner in the 2026 race to succeed Gretchen Whitmer.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Kid Rock, the famed Detroit-native musician and outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, has endorsed Republican Rep. John James in the 2026 Michigan governor's race. James, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, is the clear polling frontrunner in the crowded GOP primary field. The race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is seen as a top target for Republicans to flip in the 2026 midterm elections.

Why it matters

Kid Rock's endorsement of James, a fellow Detroit native, provides a high-profile boost for the Republican candidate. As a cultural icon with a working-class persona, Kid Rock's backing could help energize GOP voters in Michigan. The Michigan governor's race is expected to be highly competitive, with the seat rated as a toss-up by major political handicappers.

The details

In a statement shared first with Fox News Digital, Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said: "As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!" James, who is in his second term representing a swing congressional district in suburban Detroit, said he was "honored" to have the endorsement of the "unapologetic freedom-loving patriot." Kid Rock is known for his conservative political views and has been an outspoken supporter of former President Trump, performing at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

  • Kid Rock endorsed Rep. John James on February 8, 2026.

The players

Kid Rock

A famed musician and entertainer from Detroit who is known for his conservative political views and support of former President Donald Trump.

Rep. John James

A Republican congressman representing a swing district in suburban Detroit. He is the clear frontrunner in the crowded GOP primary field for the 2026 Michigan governor's race.

Gretchen Whitmer

The current Democratic governor of Michigan, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!”

— Kid Rock (Fox News Digital)

“Kid Rock is a good friend. We share our love for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States of America!”

— Rep. John James (Fox News Digital)

“I'm honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic freedom-loving patriot and I look forward to working with him and every other Michigander to make Michigan great again!”

— Rep. John James (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The Michigan Republican primary election is scheduled for August 2026. The winner will face the Democratic nominee and potentially independent candidates in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Kid Rock's endorsement of Rep. John James provides a high-profile boost for the Republican candidate in the competitive 2026 Michigan governor's race. As a cultural icon with a working-class appeal, Kid Rock's backing could help energize GOP voters in the state, which is seen as a key battleground.