“At the low end of the disclosure ranges, his estimated net worth increased nearly 1,000%. At the high end, it increased about 536%.”

LANSING — Today, new reporting from the Detroit Metro Times exposed Republican gubernatorial nominee John James’ net worth soaring since taking office in 2022. In his newly filed personal financial disclosure—which he requested an extension on until after the primary—James’ personal wealth has leapt by as much as 1,000%, and his net worth is now up to $50.8 million at a time when the Republican-backed tariffs and war in Iran are making it nearly impossible for Michiganders to pay for their groceries and fill their gas tanks. In 2022, James reported a net worth of between $2.5 million and $8.75 million.

In 2020, James ran an ad attacking his opponent for allegedly “doubling his wealth” while in Congress—but now James’ wealth has grown by nearly 1,000% in Congress. 

The outrageous gain in personal wealth is due in part to James’ corrupt and unethical stock trading while serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee – with 55% of his trades involving companies under the jurisdiction of the committee. 

“While Jocelyn Benson is focused on lowering costs and growing our economy, John James is focused on enriching himself,” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “James’ exorbitant rise in wealth shows that he’s not fighting for Michigan families.” 

Read more below. 

Detroit Metro Times: John James’ wealth soared in Congress as he traded stocks in industries he helped oversee

• U.S. Rep. John James once attacked a political opponent for getting rich in Congress. Now, financial disclosure records show James’ own wealth has soared since he took office.

• James, the Republican nominee for Michigan governor, reported assets worth between $11.8 million and $51.3 million in his latest personal financial disclosure, filed Aug. 13, according to a Metro Times review of records.

• After accounting for liabilities, James’ estimated net worth rose from between about $990,000 and $8 million in 2022 to between $10.8 million and $50.8 million in 2025.

• At the low end of the disclosure ranges, his estimated net worth increased nearly 1,000%. At the high end, it increased about 536%.

• Much of the jump in James’ reported wealth appears tied to his ownership interest in James Group Inc., the Detroit-based logistics company founded by his father. In 2024, James valued his stake in the company at between $1 million and $5 million. His latest disclosure puts it between $5 million and $25 million, moving the asset into an entirely higher reporting range.

• The disclosures also raise questions about James’ stock trading while serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has broad authority over industries including energy, health care, telecommunications, consumer products, and manufacturing.

• An analysis of James’ financial disclosures found that 55% of the stock trades he reported since entering Congress involved companies that fell under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee or its subcommittees.

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