Detroit Metro Times: “John James’ wealth soared in Congress as he traded stocks in industries he helped oversee”

Detroit Metro Times: "John James' wealth soared in Congress as he traded stocks in industries he helped oversee"

New reporting from Detroit Metro Times exposes two-time statewide loser John James for significantly increasing his wealth while serving in Congress, writing: "U.S. Rep. John James once attacked a political opponent for getting rich in Congress. Now, financial disclosure records show James' own wealth has soared since he took office."

According to the report, "James' estimated net worth rose from between about $990,000 and $8 million in 2022 to between $10.8 million and $50.8 million in 2025."

James' financial disclosure - which he conveniently delayed releasing until after his ugly August primary - also brings his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee under scrutiny, as "an analysis of James' financial disclosures found that 55% of the stock trades he reported since entering Congress involved companies that fell under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee or its subcommittees."

Making it more clear James can't be trusted, during his failed 2020 bid for U.S. Senate, he sharply criticized his opponent for growing their wealth while serving in Congress, producing an entire ad on the topic, but "Six years later, James' own financial disclosures show a far larger increase during his time in Washington."

DGA Communications Director Sam Newton: "This is just more proof John James has spent his time in Congress lining his own pockets, while voting to raise the cost of gas, groceries and health care for everyone else. He's out for himself and needs to explain his shady self-dealing and hypocrisy."

Read more about James' shady investments below:

Detroit Metro Times: John James' wealth soared in Congress as he traded stocks in industries he helped oversee

• U.S. Rep. John James once attacked a political opponent for getting rich in Congress. Now, financial disclosure records show James' own wealth has soared since he took office.

• James, the Republican nominee for Michigan governor, reported assets worth between $11.8 million and $51.3 million in his latest personal financial disclosure, filed Aug. 13, according to a Metro Times review of records.

• That represents a dramatic increase from 2022, the year James was elected to Congress, when he reported assets worth between $2.5 million and $8.75 million.

• After accounting for liabilities, James' estimated net worth rose from between about $990,000 and $8 million in 2022 to between $10.8 million and $50.8 million in 2025.

• At the low end of the disclosure ranges, his estimated net worth increased nearly 1,000%. At the high end, it increased about 536%.

• Six years later, James' own financial disclosures show a far larger increase during his time in Washington.

• Much of the jump in James' reported wealth appears tied to his ownership interest in James Group Inc., the Detroit-based logistics company founded by his father.

• In 2024, James valued his stake in the company at between $1 million and $5 million. His latest disclosure puts it between $5 million and $25 million, moving the asset into an entirely higher reporting range.

• A preferred savings account valued at between $100,001 and $250,000 in 2024 was reported at between $1 million and $5 million the following year. A USAA checking account rose from between $15,001 and $50,000 to between $500,001 and $1 million.

• But even using the lowest possible values in each range, his wealth increased dramatically.

• The disclosures also raise questions about James' stock trading while serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has broad authority over industries including energy, health care, telecommunications, consumer products, and manufacturing.

• An analysis of James' financial disclosures found that 55% of the stock trades he reported since entering Congress involved companies that fell under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee or its subcommittees.

• James previously faced scrutiny over his financial disclosures in 2024, when he reported 145 stock trades after the 45-day deadline required under federal law.

• James also sought a 90-day extension for his latest financial disclosure, moving its deadline from May 15 to Aug. 13, according to House records. That meant the disclosure showing his sharply higher net worth was not filed until after Michigan's Aug. 4 Republican gubernatorial primary.

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