John James’ running mate, Jay DeBoyer, said he personally supports cutting Medicaid and food assistance, according to newly uncovered audio reported by the Detroit Metro Times.
While speaking at the Kalamazoo County Republican Party headquarters on August 18th, DeBoyer was asked by an event attendee whether the state should cut Medicaid to stop people from “living off the government” and “make them get jobs.”
DeBoyer replied “Personally, yes.” He gave a similar response when asked about cutting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, claiming the state is spending too much without explaining how deeply he would cut either program or who would lose assistance.
More than 2.4 million Michigan residents receive coverage through Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan, and nearly 1.3 million receive food assistance.
“John James already voted for Donald Trump’s devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and now his handpicked running mate is openly calling for even more,” said Tiffiany Vaughn, a spokeswoman at American Bridge 21st Century. “The James-DeBoyer ticket has made its priorities clear: They will take healthcare and food away from working Michigan families while pretending that people who need help simply refuse to work.”
Read the full report from the Metro Times.
Published: Sep 3, 2026