Republican Rep. John James won Michigan's GOP gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, defeating businessman Perry Johnson after securing an endorsement from President Donald Trump in late June. The result reinforces Trump's influence over Republican primary contests and sets up James as the party's nominee in a pivotal Midwestern battleground state ahead of the general election for governor.

James, a West Point graduate and two-time unsuccessful US Senate candidate in Michigan, will now go on to contest the governorship having built his campaign around Trump's backing. The primary took place alongside a closely watched Michigan Senate Democratic primary, with the state continuing to be viewed as a key battleground heading into future elections.