U.S. Rep. John James, the Republican nominee for Michigan governor, addressed international trade conflicts, foreign policy, and state economic concerns during an interview broadcast Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Speaking from Rockford, Michigan, James criticized the Democratic ticket of Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, pointing to controversial political alliances ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
“Michigan is ground zero for this republic in this next election,” James said, arguing that state leadership needs to change direction. Moderator Margaret Brennan noted that the Democratic candidate had distanced himself from the online commentator in question, who had also disavowed past remarks.
Turning to foreign affairs at the six-month mark of the conflict with Iran, James, an Iraq War veteran and 2004 West Point graduate, voiced support for economic and diplomatic pressure over expanded military force.
“We understand the cost of war. We hate war, and we want to use every method, diplomatic or economic, to make sure that we keep Americans safe and we keep our young military members out of war,” he said, endorsing administration efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Economic concerns anchored much of the discussion, particularly looming trade friction with Canada. With Canadian officials pledging reciprocal tariffs starting Sept. 8 and President Donald Trump proposing a 50% tariff on auto parts and steel beginning Jan. 1, Brennan pressed James on the potential fallout for Michigan’s automotive supply chain.
James, a former automotive supplier, stated his campaign is already in contact with federal trade negotiators to avert broad tariffs, urging both American and Canadian leaders to return to discussions.
“Tariffs are not the objective. The objective is to protect Michigan jobs,” James said. “The negotiators need to get back in the room and negotiate, and not leave until they have a deal.” He added that Michigan has lost more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the 1990s and cited low national rankings in infrastructure and education as proof that state-level policy must shift.
When asked about his stance on constructing new data centers across the state, James clarified his backing for both local zoning control and a temporary pause. He maintained the two positions work together, arguing approvals should not move forward without explicit safeguards for community resources.
“Michigan is open for business, but we are not for sale,” James said. He called for prioritizing brownfield sites over agricultural farmland and urged the repeal of state energy laws Public Act 233 and Public Act 235 to keep utility rates from climbing.
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