Famed musician and outspoken patriot Kid Rock is throwing his support behind Republican Rep. John James in the high-stakes 2026 race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan governor’s office is expected to be one of the top battlegrounds in next year’s midterm elections, as Republicans look to flip key leadership positions in a state that has become central to the national political fight over jobs, manufacturing, public safety, and the future direction of the country.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, offered his endorsement in a statement first shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday.
“As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!” the entertainer said.
John James, now serving his second term representing a competitive suburban Detroit congressional district, welcomed the support from the Michigan-born star.
“Kid Rock is a good friend. We share our love for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States of America!” James said.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic freedom-loving patriot and I look forward to working with him and every other Michigander to make Michigan great again!” added James, a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, businessman, and former Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in both 2018 and 2020.
Kid Rock’s backing comes at a pivotal moment as Republicans seek to regain momentum in Michigan after years of Democrat control in Lansing. Conservatives argue the state needs a return to strong leadership focused on economic growth, protecting constitutional freedoms, and standing up to the progressive agenda that has dominated under Whitmer.
A Cultural Moment for Conservatives
Kid Rock’s endorsement arrived just hours before the singer headlined Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” during the Super Bowl — an event that drew nearly five million viewers and offered an alternative to the NFL’s increasingly politicized entertainment choices.
The show also featured a tribute to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. As Kid Rock finished a song, the screen displayed:
“In remembrance of Charlie Kirk,” alongside photos of Charlie’s wife Erika and their children.
Kid Rock has long been a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, backing him in all three of his presidential campaigns. He performed his hit “American Bad Ass” at the 2024 Republican National Convention with lyrics altered to highlight his support for Trump and the America First movement.
Trump, whose influence over the Republican Party remains unmatched, has not yet endorsed anyone in Michigan’s gubernatorial race. However, James has positioned himself as one of Trump’s most consistent allies.
A release from James’s campaign emphasized that “John James has stood with President Trump consistently since 2018, and every subsequent election, maintaining a clear and steady alignment when others backed his opponents, ran against him, or stayed silent.”
Did you miss the halftime show? Tune in below to watch:
Shared Detroit Roots and a Pro-Worker Message
The campaign also highlighted the bond between Kid Rock and James, noting that both share “deep Detroit roots and a common view of Michigan as a state defined by hard work, manufacturing, culture, and natural beauty — from the Great Lakes to the communities that power the Midwest economy.”
James has built his political brand around economic opportunity, strengthening American manufacturing, supporting law enforcement, and pushing back against Washington overreach — themes that resonate strongly with Michigan’s working-class voters.
Crowded Republican Field, Clear Front-Runner
James currently stands as the clear polling front-runner in a crowded Republican primary field ahead of the August nominating contest.
Other GOP candidates include:
- Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox
- Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt
- Former state House Speaker Mike Leonard
- Businessman Perry Johnson, who previously made a longshot bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination
On the Democratic side, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is widely viewed as the front-runner among three candidates competing for her party’s nomination.
Michigan in the National Spotlight
With Michigan expected to play a major role in shaping the future of the Midwest — and possibly the country — the governor’s race is drawing intense national attention. Republicans see 2026 as a chance to restore conservative leadership in a state long known for its manufacturing strength, blue-collar values, and patriotic spirit.
