The Warren Congressman’s Ethics Pledge Faces Scrutiny

Rep. John James represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Warren, and is currently running for governor. His political action committee recently paid $1.3 million to a media firm accused of brokering an illegal coordination deal between the Trump campaign and the National Rifle Association.

James has listed eliminating political corruption as his top priority if elected. His campaign website states he will "require ethics clauses to be included in every employment agreement in his administration."

The hiring of the consultants raises questions about whether James is applying those same standards to his own campaign operations.

The Alleged Scheme

According to reporting by The Trace and Mother Jones, the firm James’ PAC hired, Red Eagle Media Group, shares a corporate history with entities used by both the NRA and the Trump campaign in 2016.

In 2016, the NRA hired Red Eagle Media Group to place ads in Norfolk, Virginia, endorsing Trump’s presidential campaign. At the same time, Trump placed ads in the same market through a firm called American Media & Advocacy Group.

Public filings show that both firms were offshoots of a larger company known as National Media Research, Planning and Placement. The entities shared addresses and employees. Both ad placements were authorized by the same individual.

Federal law prohibits private political groups like the NRA from coordinating with presidential campaigns.

"This is very strong evidence, if not proof, of illegal coordination," Larry Noble, a former general counsel for the Federal Election Commission, told Mother Jones. "This is the heat of the general election, and the same person is acting as an agent for the NRA and the Trump campaign."

Payments Continued Through Shell Companies

Trump’s 2020 campaign also hired AMAG. The campaign stopped reporting payments to the firm after news of the potential deal broke. OpenSecrets later reported that the campaign continued using the firm but funneled payments through shell companies.

Last month, James’ Mission Michigan PAC disclosed a payment of $1.3 million to Red Eagle Media Group for television and radio advertising placement. The payment occurred after the allegations against the firm were widely reported.

A Crowded Republican Primary

James is one of five Republicans competing in the Aug. 4 primary for governor. The other candidates are:

  • Perry Johnson, a businessman who previously ran for governor in 2022
  • Mike Cox, former Michigan Attorney General
  • Aric Nesbitt, Michigan Senate Minority Leader
  • Ralph Rebandt, a pastor facing potential ballot signature challenges

The Republican primary winner is expected to face Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State and the Democratic nominee, in the general election.

James recently accepted an invitation to debate at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Benson declined, stating she would wait to see who emerges from the August primary.

Warren Voters to Decide

Warren is a key community in the 10th District. James visited Atomic Industries in Warren on April 9, 2026, where he met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

James has said Michigan is "being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership." The controversy over his PAC’s hiring decisions adds a new layer to his campaign promise of "open, accountable government that earns trust."

The primary election is on Aug. 4, 2026. The general election is on Nov. 3, 2026.