Detroit businessman John E. James is exploring a run for U.S. Senate, he announced Tuesday.

James is currently president of Detroit-based James Group International and CEO of Renaissance Global Logistics. In a video posted to Youtube this week, James said Michigan "deserves a leader who's lived in the real world" and has provided economic opportunity by creating jobs in the state.

"Michigan deserves a leader to make sure that everyone has a fair shot," he said. "We do that by understanding economic opportunity and by understanding national security. If we don't do both, then our future will not be as bright as it can be."

In a statement released Tuesday morning, James said he's exploring a run because he has a passion for service.

"As a West Point graduate who served as an Army Captain in Operation Iraqi Freedom flying Apaches, I understand national security," James said. "Revenue has more than tripled and 100 jobs have been created under my leadership as President of our supply-chain logistics company. I understand how to create jobs and the importance of economic opportunity."

James first told The Detroit News he plans to file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission Tuesday.

James is the third Republican so far vying for the nomination for the 2018 Republican primary, the winner of which will go on to challenge sitting U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing.

Lena Epstein, former Michigan co-chair for President Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and retired Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bob Young have already announced their respective campaigns for the nomination.

Michigan-born musician Kid Rock has also expressed interest, but has not yet filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

According to his company biography, James is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and also earned master's degrees from both Penn State University Smeal School of Business and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is an Iraq war veteran and served eight years of active duty as an Army captain, and lives in Farmington Hills with his wife and children.

James said in the video he supports gun rights and is pro-life, and said he is Republican because he believes the exceptionalism of the country and the Constitution must be defended.