Michigan gubernatorial candidate John James has named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his pick for lieutenant governor. The selection, if confirmed, would mark a shift in the Michigan GOP's statewide ticket ahead of the November 3 general election.
Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate John James has announced state Rep. Jay DeBoyer of Clay Township as his choice for lieutenant governor in the upcoming 2026 election. The decision, which awaits formal nomination by party delegates, positions DeBoyer alongside James on the GOP ticket for the November 3 general election.
DeBoyer, a two-term lawmaker representing the Thumb area, brings experience as a small business owner and former St. Clair County elections clerk. He currently chairs the House Oversight Committee and serves as associate speaker pro tempore in the Michigan House of Representatives.
DeBoyer's Background and Legislative Record
First elected to the Michigan House in 2022, DeBoyer has focused on government oversight and election administration. He has sponsored three new laws, including bipartisan legislation to relax earned sick time rules, and has supported measures to strengthen voter ID requirements, restrict student bathroom use in schools based on biological sex, and allow the governor to appoint the state superintendent. His legislative work has often involved collaboration with both parties, according to information from the Michigan Legislature.
DeBoyer's tenure as chair of the House Oversight Committee has included high-profile actions such as subpoenaing and suing Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for election training materials and leading hearings on the state's transparency portal rollout. He has also owned a business specializing in engineered lumber since 1994 and is a graduate of Algonac High School and St. Clair County Community College.
Implications for the Michigan GOP Ticket
If DeBoyer is confirmed at the Republican Party's August 22 convention in Mount Pleasant, it will be the first time since 1978 that the Michigan GOP's statewide ticket does not include a female candidate at the top. The ticket will feature John James for governor, Jay DeBoyer for lieutenant governor, Doug Lloyd for attorney general, and Anthony Forlini for secretary of state. Both James and DeBoyer represent parts of southeast Michigan.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel criticized the selection, describing it as an effort to appeal to the party's most conservative base. Hertel stated that a James-DeBoyer administration would support former President Trump's agenda, and said Democrats are preparing to challenge the ticket in November.
Next Steps and Party Process
The official nomination of DeBoyer as lieutenant governor will be determined by Republican delegates at the state convention. If confirmed, DeBoyer is expected to focus on government accountability, with James stating that his running mate will lead efforts to address corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse in state government while protecting essential services.
DeBoyer's selection comes as the Michigan governor's race draws attention to issues of election administration, government transparency, and bipartisan cooperation. The outcome of the August convention will finalize the Republican ticket for the general election.
In Michigan, candidates for lieutenant governor are chosen by the gubernatorial nominee but must be formally nominated by party delegates at the state convention. This process ensures that the party's grassroots members have a direct role in shaping the ticket. The 2026 general election is scheduled for November 3, with statewide offices including governor, attorney general, and secretary of state on the ballot.
