Michigan Republican Senate candidate John James on Tuesday conceded the race against Democratic Sen. Gary Peters after the Wolverine State certified its election results.
Some media outlets called the race for Peters on Nov. 4 but James had refused 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 mentioning that his campaign gave away over $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 beating James by 1.7 points. James wished Peters and his family good health and safety. He also indicated that he’ll stay on the political battlefield.
“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 to post-election challenges in the Wolverine State. The relief sought in both challenges dealt with issues predating the certification of the election results, so the fate of both lawsuits is unclear.
