Kid Rock Endorses John James for Michigan Governor in 2026

Detroit-born musician and cultural figure Kid Rock has officially shown his support for Republican Representative John James in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race. Known for his strong conservative beliefs, Kid Rock, whose birth name is Robert James Ritchie, has endorsed James as he seeks to replace Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is restricted by term limits.

Kid Rock released a statement, made public through Fox News Digital, expressing confidence in James’ ability to achieve significant success for Michigan as the next governor.

“As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!” Ritchie stated, showing his enthusiasm.

James, a second-term congressman from a competitive district near Detroit, responded positively to Kid Rock’s endorsement. He acknowledged their shared dedication to Detroit, Michigan, and the broader United States. A graduate of West Point, a veteran of the Iraq War, and a businessman, James previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Michigan during the 2018 and 2020 elections.

The support from Kid Rock coincides with the musician headlining Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” during this year’s Super Bowl. The event serves as a conservative alternative to the NFL’s halftime show, featuring Latin artist Bad Bunny, which has drawn criticism from some conservative circles.

Besides his music career, Kid Rock is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, having endorsed Trump’s presidential campaigns across all election cycles. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, he performed an edited version of his song “American Bad Ass” to reiterate his support for Trump.

While Trump, who remains influential within the Republican Party, hasn’t yet commented on the Michigan governor’s race, James’ campaign highlighted his consistent allegiance to Trump since 2018.

A statement from James’ campaign also spotlighted the shared values between Kid Rock and James, emphasizing their deep connection to Detroit and their vision for Michigan as a place of hard work, manufacturing, and vibrant culture.

With James leading in the Republican primary polls, he faces competition from other prominent Republicans including former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, and businessman Perry Johnson. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is the leading Democratic candidate, while former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.

Michigan’s gubernatorial race is deemed a toss-up by political forecasters including the Cook Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, indicating a competitive and uncertain election outlook.