This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Sign up for a free newsletter here.
Mike Cox ends his campaign for Michigan governor, throwing his support to John James
Cox said President Donald Trump’s endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory
Only James and Perry Johnson remain in what had been a crowded GOP field
Former attorney general Mike Cox is ending his campaign for Michigan governor and backing US Rep. John James, his campaign announced Friday evening.
Cox said President Donald Trump’s endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory.
“While I did not fully appreciate it then, that endorsement placed him out of reach in a three-way Republican primary race,” Cox said in a statement. “That is the power of President Trump, and it is a testament to the enduring loyalty of Republican primary voters in Michigan to the president.”
Cox’s exit turns the Aug. 4 GOP primary into a two-man contest between James, a US representative, and businessman Perry Johnson.
Absentee ballots were mailed to voters in late June, meaning some votes have likely already been cast for Cox.
The week prior, Cox had repeatedly attacked James in two acrimonious GOP debates, calling him a “nepo baby” and accused him of using his family business to assist China.
Now, Cox said he’ll work hard to elect James and the Republican slate.
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“We need them and the whole Republican team to win and roll back the last 8 years of despair, distress, and decline and return Michigan to greatness,” Cox said. “The stakes are simply too high.”