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Michigan Law Enforcement Leaders Unite Behind John James for U.S. Senate

October 30, 2020

Livonia, Mich — Leaders in the Michigan Law Enforcement community continue to unite behind John James for U.S. Senate.

Today, the campaign announced 17 Michigan Sheriffs, 42 county prosecutors and the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Michigan (DSAM) endorsed combat veteran and Detroit businessman John James for U.S. Senate. This comes in addition to the endorsement of the Police Officers’ Association of Michigan (POAM) earlier this year.

“Having been an officer as a soldier in the U.S. Army, I understand what it takes to uphold the law and the kind of resources and training necessary to make our officers and all law enforcement officials successful at ensuring public safety,” James said. “Now, more than ever, our men and women in blue need someone representing them who understands both sides of the challenges we face. I know what it means to be an officer, as well as a black man in this country. It is that kind of perspective and leadership that will help unify us as a country and work toward solutions that keep us all safer.”

“John’s leadership experience makes him critically aware of how important it is to support law enforcement officers with the right training,” said Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “The right oversight and the right mental, physical and emotional support so they can serve all members of the community.”

“The Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Michigan (DSAM) is thrilled to give our endorsement to Mr. John James in his bid for the US Senate in the 2020 election. His dedication and sacrifice while in the Army, and as a Ranger-qualified Apache helicopter pilot in Operation Iraqi Freedom, mirrors and exemplifies the leadership and dedication made daily not only by our members, but their families and loved ones as well,” said Joseph Bates, DSAM President. “Mr. James understands and appreciates those parallels and what it takes to serve and protect our communities. We at DSAM feel Mr. James will ensure our voices are heard loud and clear in Washington DC.”

Back in September, the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) endorsed James over incumbent Senator Gary Peters. “John is a combat veteran who put his life on the line for others and understands dedication to service,” said Jim Tignanelli, POAM President. “That is why we extended our endorsement to John—because he understands why our members choose to serve in the line of duty and what drives them to care for their communities and keep them safe. John James has our six and we have his.”

A full list of the sheriffs and prosecutors backing James is provided below:

Sheriffs:

  1. Montcalm – Michael Williams
  2. Allegan – Frank Baker
  3. Benzie – Ted Schendel
  4. Berrien – L. Paul Bailey
  5. Clare – John Wilson
  6. Gladwin – Michael Shea (Democrat)
  7. Lake – Rick Martin
  8. Mackinac – Scott Strait
  9. Mason – Kim Cole
  10. Newaygo – Bob Mendham
  11. Oceana – Craig Mast
  12. Ogemaw – Howard Hanft
  13. Oscoda – Kevin Grace
  14. Sanilac – Garry Biniecki
  15. Lenawee – Troy Bevier
  16. Kent – Michelle LaJoye-Young
  17. Livingston – Mike Murphy

Prosecutors:

  1. Alcona County – Tom Weichel
  2. Allegan County – Myrene Koch
  3. Alpena County – Cynthia Muszynski
  4. Antrim County – Jim Rossiter
  5. Baraga County – Joe O’Leary
  6. Benzie County – Sara Swanson
  7. Berrien County – Mike Sepic
  8. Calhoun County – Dave Gilbert
  9. Crawford County – Sierra Koch
  10. Cass County – Victor Fitz
  11. Cheboygan County – Melissa Goodich
  12. Chippewa County – Robert Stratton III
  13. Clare County – Michelle Ambrozaitis
  14. Clinton County – Chuck Sherman
  15. Delta County – Brett Gardner
  16. Dickinson County – Lisa Richards
  17. Eaton County – Doug Lloyd
  18. Emmet County – James Linderman
  19. Gladwin County – Aaron Miller
  20. Gogebic County – Nick Jacobs
  21. Grand Traverse County – Noelle Moeggenberg
  22. Gratiot County – Keith Kushion
  23. Hillsdale County – Neal Brady
  24. Huron County – Tim Rutkowski
  25. Iosco County – Jim Barccarella
  26. Isabella County – David Barberi
  27. Jackson County – Jerry Jarzinka
  28. Kalkaska – County Mike Perrault
  29. Kent County – Chris Becker
  30. Leelanau County – Joe Hubbell
  31. Lenawee County – R. Burke Castleberry
  32. Livingston County – Bill Vailencourt
  33. Luce County – Joshua Freed
  34. Mackinac County – Stuart Spencer
  35. Manistee County – Jason Haag
  36. Midland County – J Dee Brooks
  37. Missaukee County – Dave DenHouten
  38. Newaygo County – Worth Stay
  39. Oscoda County – Kiristi McGregor
  40. Schoolcraft County – Timothy Noble
  41. Tuscola County – Mark Reene
  42. Van Buren County – Mike Bedford

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