“I risked my life for this country. . .This is the greatest country the world’s ever known because of its people – not because of politics,” James says in new ad

The John James for U.S. Senate campaign today launched a new ad demonstrating James’ lifelong, hands-on commitment to putting service before self and real people first.

“I have firsthand experience in the real world, in the toughest environments, from the battlefield to the board room. I risked my life for this country,” James says in the 30-second spot, set to run statewide. “I’d do it again. This is the greatest country the world’s ever known because of its people – not because of politics.”

James served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an attack helicopter pilot where he flew more than 750 combat hours and led two helicopter platoons. James returned safely every soldier and aircraft under his command. After his eight years of service in the U.S. Army, James returned home to Detroit where he grew the family’s automotive logistics business and provided American jobs in the wake of the Great Recession.

“John’s record is one of hands-on experience and results,” said Abby Walls, campaign spokesperson. “In these uncertain times, Michigan needs leadership that has actually run a business and persevered in hard economic times. We need leaders who know first-hand what it means to keep the American people safe.”

Through his Nickel Promise—which pledges to give 5% of all campaign contributions to charity— the James campaign has given more than $547,000 to charities throughout Michigan. During the COVID crisis, the campaign gave $250,000 to help relief efforts in Michigan, including $50,000 to food pantries across the state and $200,000 for a Detroit health-care facility to purchase personal protection equipment and key medical equipment.

In a recent op-ed, James drew on his training at West Point, saying there are three rules should follow to help Michigan emerge from this crisis: Leaders eat last; No excuses; and Mission first, people always.

Republican John James is running for U.S. Senate in Michigan. A full transcript of the ad is below:

‘People Not Politics’

JAMES: Faith and family. God and country. Service before self. That matters to me because I’m guided by my core principles that have not changed. I have firsthand experience in the real world, in the toughest environments, from the battlefield to the board room. I risked my life for this country. I’d do it again. This is the greatest country the world’s ever known because of its people – not because of politics. Come along with me. Let’s fly. I’m John James and I approve this message.

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