James Cashes in From DeVos Family for Backing Their Anti-Public Education Agenda, While Dixon Floats Messy Primary Run

James Cashes in From DeVos Family for Backing Their Anti-Public Education Agenda, While Dixon Floats Messy Primary Run

A new report from the Detroit News exposes Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate John James for receiving $5 million in support of his campaign from the DeVos family as he continues to lead the charge on their deeply harmful and unpopular anti-public school agenda. This contribution is the latest in a long line of investments the DeVos family has made in John James' political career.

James has an extreme record of supporting Betsy DeVos's disastrous agenda, and is in favor of siphoning away funding for Michigan's public schools to bankroll unaccountable private schools on the taxpayer's dime. The Detroit News reports that the donation is "one of the largest individual contributions to support a Republican political campaign in Michigan history."

Meanwhile, the failed and formerly Trump-endorsed candidate for governor in 2022 Tudor Dixon continues to float her own campaign for governor, setting up a potential challenge to John James. This month, Dixon said "we're seeing some of the polling … and it's actually been very favorable for me … I'll be doing a few speaking events over the next few weeks to test the temperature on the ground and see what people are looking for."

"Just like Betsy DeVos, two-time statewide loser John James supports an extreme agenda to dismantle public education in Michigan - and this contribution leaves no doubt that he will always put special interests ahead of Michigan's children, parents, and teachers," said DGA Communications Director Sam Newton. "Whether it's James, Tudor Dixon or whoever emerges from this crowded and messy GOP primary, this is just the latest proof the Republican nominee will be a rubber stamp for the Trump-DeVos agenda, no matter how much it hurts Michigan."

Read more from the Detroit News about the DeVos family's full-throated endorsement of John James:

• Republican Congressman John James is getting a $5 million campaign boost from members of the west Michigan DeVos family in support of his bid for governor.

• In one of the largest individual contributions to support a Republican political campaign in Michigan history, Dan and Pamella DeVos said they have committed the money to Mission Michigan, an issues super PAC formed in April by supporters of James' campaign. Because of PAC reporting requirements, it's difficult to know for certain who has benefited from similar contributions.

• With the primary election still 15 months away, such a sizable and early donation is intended to rocket James to the top of the GOP field and discourage others from joining the race. It's also an indication of how expensive the 2026 election cycle will be in Michigan.

• Sources say no other DeVos family endorsements or financial decisions have been made at this time.

• In 2022, the family endorsed GOP gubernatorial contender Tudor Dixon and contributed roughly $4 million to her campaign.

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