Bronze Star veteran Michael Bouchard, a Republican congressional candidate, secured a victory in the GOP primary for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. He gained momentum with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Republicans are banking on Bouchard’s credentials and vision to retain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The district presents a competitive landscape for the upcoming election. Incumbent Rep. John James previously won his reelection with a 51.1% to 45.0% margin against Democrat Carl Marlinga. In 2022, James narrowly defeated Marlinga by a 48.8% to 48.3% vote.
James, leveraging his position, has chosen to pursue a gubernatorial role, aiming to secure Michigan’s prosperity. “My family, like countless others, came to our great state for the better opportunities our manufacturing and automotive industries offered and to live the American dream,” James stated.
Bouchard, highlighting his military service with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, emphasizes his deployment to Iraq and at the U.S. southern border. He holds a Bronze Star for his role in the joint task force against ISIS. This echoes James’ military background. Bouchard, a political newcomer, presents himself as continuing the shift from the previous administration’s direction.
In a campaign video, Bouchard addressed issues of national security. “Under President Trump, I led missions on the southern border; back then we got the job done. But on day one, Joe Biden shut us all down; he opened the border,” he said. “Human trafficking, drug smuggling, known terrorists walked right in. The Army taught me that weak leadership has consequences, and I’m ready to lead America back.”
Bouchard’s campaign advocates for strengthening American manufacturing, completing the southern border wall, and enhancing parental involvement in education. Trump endorsed Bouchard on Truth Social, describing him as a “third-generation Michigander, brave U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient.”
Notably, Bouchard also received endorsements from key Republican figures like 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 advances to face the November 3 general election.
Reporter Leo Briceno, part of the congressional team at Fox News Digital, contributed to this coverage.