Lansing — The Police Officers Association of Michigan, an organization with thousands of members, endorsed U.S. Rep. John James on Tuesday to be the state’s next governor, according to the Shelby Township Republican’s campaign.
In announcing POAM’s support, James vowed to “restore order to our streets, accountability to our justice system and pride to the profession of policing.”
“The men and women who wear the badge carry an extraordinary burden on behalf of every Michigan family, and they’ve been abandoned by politicians who chose ideology over public safety,” James said. “That ends when I’m governor. My administration will ensure every officer in this state has the training, equipment, legal protections and respect their service and sacrifice deserve.”
James is in a five-candidate Republican primary race for the GOP nomination for governor.
The other Republican contenders are former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia, businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township and Pastor Ralph Rebandt of Elmira.
The primary election is Aug. 4.
POAM endorsed Republican Donald Trump for president in 2020 and 2024.
Four years ago, the organization backed Republican Tudor Dixon of Norton Shores for governor. Dixon won the GOP nomination but lost the general election to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
POAM has more than 12,000 members, according to the James campaign.
“As a combat veteran and proven conservative leader, John James will stand with law enforcement, restore law and order and ensure officers have the support, respect and resources they need to protect Michigan families,” said James Tignanelli, president of POAM.
cmauger@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: John James endorsed for Michigan governor by key police group
Reporting by Craig Mauger, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
