Michael Bouchard Wins GOP Primary for Michigan’s 10th District

Bronze Star recipient and Republican candidate Michael Bouchard secured a victory in the GOP primary to represent Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. He received support from former President Donald Trump, which bolstered his campaign efforts.

The Republican Party aims to maintain its narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives by supporting candidates like Bouchard. However, winning the district is not assured.

District Background

The incumbent, Rep. John James, R-Mich., won his last reelection in 2024 with 51.1% of the vote against Democratic opponent Carl Marlinga. In 2022, James had a tight win over Marlinga, with a 48.8% to 48.3% margin.

James announced that he would leave his congressional seat to run for governor, stating his goal to ensure Michigan’s future prosperity. “My family, like many others, came to our great state for the opportunities in manufacturing and the automotive industry,” he said.

Bouchard’s Military Credentials

Bouchard emphasizes his service in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. He was deployed in Iraq and worked on U.S. southern border missions. Like James, Bouchard received a Bronze Star for his involvement with the task force against ISIS.

A political newcomer, Bouchard has not held office before. He positions himself as a candidate for change from the previous administration’s direction.

Support for Border and Manufacturing Policies

Bouchard criticized current administration policies concerning border security. “Under President Trump, I led successful missions on the southern border,” he stated in a campaign video. “Human trafficking, drug smuggling, and known terrorists became issues under weak leadership.”

On his campaign platform, Bouchard promotes American manufacturing, completing the southern border wall, and increasing parental involvement in education.

Endorsements

Trump expressed his support for Bouchard on Truth Social, describing him as a “brave U.S. Army veteran” who will “bring that same fighting spirit to the U.S. Congress.”

Bouchard has also gained endorsements from influential figures like U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich.

Bouchard’s next step is the general election on November 3.

Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital, with previous experience at World Magazine.