Kid Rock, Bumstead Back John James as GOP Governor Race Heats Up

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/09/2026) Musician Robert Ritchie, known by his stage name Kid Rock, endorsed John James (R-Shelby Township)' Republican bid to run for governor hours before his performance at a Turning Point USA event for the Super Bowl halftime show.

James shared the endorsement on Instagram with a picture of them and said they share a love for Detroit, Michigan, and the country.

"As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!" Ritchie said.

Meanwhile, the campaign of one of James' opponents — Perry Johnson — spent $3 million on advertising during the Super Bowl, including two television ads, one of which was promoting "Turning Point's All-American Halftime Show," where Ritchie performed.

"We are urging people to turn the channel on Bad Bunny. We advertised in the pre-game to the Super Bowl rather than risk our ads playing during the Bad Bunny halftime show," Johnson said.

James also picked up an endorsement from Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon), who praised James for his military service and business background. Bumstead said James "has done what most politicians never have — he’s signed the front and back of paychecks, flown Apache helicopters in combat, and served with honor,” adding that James’ “Freedom Agenda” would focus on affordability, ending corruption, and making state government work for families.