John James

LANSING, MI — Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, has announced his pick for lieutenant governor.

In a Thursday morning post on social media, James said he will run with Republican state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay.

“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.”

James, the Republican nominee for Michigan’s open gubernatorial seat, won his Aug. 4 primary, defeating businessman Perry Johnson with just over 50% of the vote.

Following the primary, James was required to name his lieutenant governor pick by Friday, Aug. 14.

The choice is his first major pick as the Republican nominee.

The party will make his decision official at a GOP convention on Aug. 22, further setting up a general election contest that will pit James against Democratic nominee and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

DeBoyer, who represents parts of St. Clair and Macomb counties, is notable for his experience in the state legislature, something James does not have.

He’ll have to give up running for reelection to join James, and capitol news outlet Gongwer reported DeBoyer’s selection is also the first time since 1978 that the Republican ticket — including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general — lacked a woman as one of the candidates.

DeBoyer is chair of the House Oversight Committee and associate speaker pro tempore, a legislative leadership role that allows him to preside over House proceedings, moderate debate as lawmakers speak on bills and announce the results of votes.

In his role as oversight chair, he’s subpoenaed Benson’s Department of State and has investigated elements of state government.

Now in his second term in the state House, DeBoyer was first elected in November 2022.

He previously spent 12 years as a clerk and register of deeds for St. Clair County, also serving as Clay Township’s trustee and supervisor.

DeBoyer has been an area small business owner since 1994, specializing in engineered lumber.

He graduated from Algonac High School in 1988 and attended St. Clair Community College from 1989 to 1990.

DeBoyer is married with two children and describes himself as an “avid hunter, fisher and boatsman.”

James described him as embodying the “West Point Honor Code principles I expect in my administration: restoring integrity, competence and trust in state government.”

“He will lead the fight against corruption, fraud, waste and abuse, protecting core services while fixing what’s broken,” James said. “Michigan deserves a government as good as its people, focused on excellent schools, safer streets and an affordable Michigan. Jay will help us deliver it.”

Benson’s deadline to pick a running mate is Aug. 25, based on when the Democratic party will hold its August convention.