Michigan Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James on Nov. 24 conceded in his race against Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, after the Wolverine State certified its election results.
While some media outlets called the race for Peters on Nov. 4, James had declined to concede amid allegations of voter fraud and election-related errors and malfeasance. Last week, he submitted a request to the Michigan State Board of Canvassers to take an additional two weeks to audit the election results before certifying the results.
“I ran because I wanted to help people,” James said in a video statement, after noting that his campaign gave away more than $1 million to people in need.
“The results of the election were certified yesterday. I am happy that the Board of Canvassers led by Norm Shinkle asked the legislature to take a top-down review of election law. But it’s too late for me,“ he added. ”While I look forward to participating in efforts to secure both reasonable franchise and integrity in our election in the near future, today is the right time for me to congratulate Sen. Gary Peters.”
James is a former Army combat veteran and businessman. He lost a Senate race in 2018 to Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).
The official results from Michigan show Peters with a winning margin of 1.7 points. James, who wished Peters and his family good health and safety, indicated that he intends to stay in the political fight.
“Michigan, the 2020 battle for this Senate seat is over, but the battle for the future of this great country will never be over, and I will never retire from that battlefield, ever, and neither should you. Surrender is not a Ranger word, and I know that giving up is not in your DNA. There are too many people hurting. There is too much work to do. There is too much left to give,” James said.
Republicans are litigating two post-election challenges in the Wolverine State. The relief sought in both challenges deals with issues that predate the certification of the election results.
