exclusive —Detroit native cultural icon Kid Rock takes sides in the election governor of michigan.

The famous musician and entertainer with a working-class image and known for his conservative political views has endorsed Republican Rep. John James in the 2026 race to succeed the term-limited Democratic governor. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Michigan governor’s office and Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate seats are top targets for Republicans to flip in November’s midterm elections.

“As our next Michigan Governor, I know you will deliver many wins for our great state!” Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said in a statement first shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday.

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Musician and Detroit native Kid Rock (left) is running for governor with Michigan Republican Rep. John James. (John James gubernatorial campaign)

James, who is in his second term representing a swing congressional district in suburban Detroit, said in a statement, “Kid Rock was a great friend. We share a love for Detroit, the state of Michigan, and the United States of America!”

“I am honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic, freedom-loving patriot, and I look forward to working with him and every other Michigander to make Michigan great again!” added James, a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran and businessman who is a 2018 and 2020 Republican Senate candidate in the Great Lakes battleground state.

Kid Rock’s endorsement of James comes just hours before the singer and songwriter headlines Turning Point USA.All American Halftime Show“During the Super Bowl.

How to Watch Turning Point USA Alternate Halftime Show

turning point in america, The show, co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk, will have its own Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday. The event comes amid criticism from conservatives over the NFL’s choice of Latin music star Bad Bunny as its halftime performer.

Musician Kid Rock performs during the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)

Kid Rock is an outspoken supporter of the president Donald Trumpsupporting him in all three of his presidential campaigns. He performed the song “American Bad Ass” at the 2024 Republican National Convention and changed the lyrics to express support for Trump.

Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains huge and his endorsements in Republican primaries are coveted and influential, but so far he has not exerted influence over the party. Michigan gubernatorial race.

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A press release from the James campaign emphasized, “Since 2018, and every election since, John James has stood with President Trump, maintaining a clear and steady stance when others supported his opponent, opposed him, or remained silent.”

James’ campaign also emphasized that “Kidd Locke and John James have deep Detroit roots and share a belief in Michigan as a state characterized by hard work, manufacturing, culture and natural beauty — from the Great Lakes to the communities that power the Midwestern economy.”

Michigan Rep. John James, who is attending the 2024 Republican National Convention, is running for governor in the swing state’s 2026 race. (Angela Weiss/AFP Getty Images)

Among the many Republicans vying for the Republican nomination in the August primary, James is the clear polling frontrunner. Other Republicans in the race include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former state House Speaker Mike Leonard, and businessman Perry Johnson, a front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination who is running for governor for the second time.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is the clear frontrunner among the three candidates for the Democratic nomination.

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Mike Duggan, the former three-term Democratic mayor of Detroit, is running for governor as an independent.

The Michigan race is rated a “tough call” by three of the top nonpartisan political handicappers: The Cook Report, Inside Elections and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.