John Bolton, Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and President Donald Trump's designee for national security advisor, weighed in on the Michigan Senate race on Tuesday by endorsing John James, a business leader and combat veteran.
Bolton, who is officially set to join the Trump administration on April 9, endorsed James for the Republican nomination in the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D.), The Daily Caller reported.
James, a West Point graduate, is a political newcomer mounting his first race for elective office. He comes from a prominent family of business leaders that have played a vital role in attempts to revitalize the economy of the Detroit metropolitan region.
The first-time candidate said he was honored to earn Bolton's support. He also stated that his background as a combat veteran would provide a strategic view from which to analyze national security matters in the U.S. Senate.
"I’m honored to have the support of Ambassador John Bolton," James said. "I understand national security from a strategic to a tactical level. I understand how to keep Americans safe because I’ve done it before and will continue to do so as Michigan’s next U.S. Senator."
James posted a photo of himself and Bolton with a tweet announcing the endorsement.
Proud to have the support of Ambassador John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) >> https://t.co/uC6pP6PSEa 🇺🇸 @FoxNews @foxandfriends #LetsFlyMI #TeamJohnJames #MISen pic.twitter.com/JjZErNqZmz
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) March 27, 2018
James is one of four Republicans running for the opportunity to take on Stabenow, a three-term incumbent who also serves in the Senate Democratic leadership. Stabenow was reelected by comfortable margins in both 2006 and 2012, but Republican activists are optimistic about their chances this year as Michigan has shifted further to the right. During the 2016 election, President Donald Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to carry Michigan since George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Bolton is not the only high profile Republican to back James' effort. In December, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) endorsed the candidate, citing James' military service as well as his support for the Second Amendment and pro-life policies.
"Michigan needs a strong leader like John James and I am proud to endorse him in his race for Senate," - Senator @MarcoRubio >> https://t.co/BLF1uIpzuF 🚁🇺🇸💪 #LetsFly #MISen #TeamJohnJames pic.twitter.com/xenOzUfXEh
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) December 5, 2017
James has also garnered the support of the American Conservative Union and the Senate Conservative Fund.
The primary is scheduled for Aug. 7.