A new Detroit Regional Chamber poll is raising fresh questions about the general election viability of Republican gubernatorial frontrunner, Rep. John James. The Glengariff Group survey found no measurable support for James among Black voters in a 600-person sample, with 81 respondents identifying as Black. The poll also showed eroding support among several key voting blocs critical to winning statewide in Michigan, including independents, women, metro Detroit voters, youth voters, and senior citizens.
Recent coverage includes:
- Detroit Free Press: An opinion piece reported that James polled 0% among Black respondents in a three-way matchup and the implications for a statewide race.
- The Root: Highlighted the new polling results and noted James’ alignment with President Donald Trump and ongoing challenges with Black voters.
- Black Enterprise: Highlighted the lack of measurable Black support and noted James’ vulnerabilities with additional key demographic groups.
As James campaigns to become Michigan’s first Black governor, the polling reflects longstanding tensions between his political alignment with Trump and his appeal to Black voters. In 2020, The New York Times reported that fellow Republicans described him as “walking a tightrope” for aligning closely with Trump.
The latest scrutiny follows a recent controversy in which James responded to a widely criticized AI-generated social media post from Donald Trump depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. While James said he was “shocked and appalled,” he also defended Trump, saying, “I know the President. He is not racist.”
Black voters play a decisive role in Michigan statewide elections, particularly in Wayne County and Metro Detroit. With no measurable support among Black voters in this polling and softness among other key blocs, James faces mounting questions about whether he can assemble the coalition needed to win statewide.
The challenges come as James — who has already lost two statewide U.S. Senate races — seeks to position himself as the Republican frontrunner for governor while still awaiting an endorsement from Donald Trump.
Published: Mar 4, 2026 | Last Modified: Mar 13, 2026