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R Republican · U.S. House 12, Michigan · Nov 3, 2026

James
D. Hooper

James D. Hooper is the 2026 Republican challenger in Michigan's 12th Congressional District

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
4
positions
11
endorsements
1
jameshooperforcongress.com ↗(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Rashida Tlaib D+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

James D. Hooper is the Republican candidate challenging in Michigan's 12th Congressional District for the November 3, 2026 general election. The Federal Election Commission classifies him as a challenger, meaning he does not hold the seat he is seeking. 12

Hooper grew up on Detroit's east side. His campaign biography describes a career that included work at Detroit's Eastern Market and in the building trades. He also served in Liberia with Samaritan's Purse, where he managed a water, sanitation, and hygiene program, and later worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. 7

Hooper is described by his campaign as chairman of the Wayne County Republican organization and a precinct delegate. A secondary profile, citing a Livonia City Council questionnaire, reported that he worked as a machinist for a defense-department supplier, though that document was not independently verified. No prior elected public office is documented in the sources reviewed. 72

No education history was identified in the campaign biography or candidate questionnaire materials; iVoterGuide notes the candidate did not provide education information. 913

At a glance

Party
Republican
Running for
U.S. House · District 12, Michigan
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Chairman, Wayne County Republican Party (party office, not elected public office)
Website
jameshooperforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Date unknown
    filing
    FEC filings (through July 15) show Hooper's campaign raised $775, spent $1,499, with $8,381 cash on hand

    FEC-based filings covering the pre-primary reporting period ending July 15, 2026 showed Hooper's committee had raised $775, spent $1,499, held $8,381 cash on hand, and carried $533 in debts. No later filing was located in the sources reviewed; October quarterly reports were due October 15.

    James D. Hooper (R) — U.S. Representative, MI-12 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Sep 29
    endorsement
    Detroit News declines to endorse in MI-12, citing Hooper as anti-abortion, pro-gun, and a 'vocal election denier'

    The Detroit News editorial board chose 'none of the above' in the MI-12 race. It described Hooper as anti-abortion and pro-gun and cited his continued promotion of claims about the 2020 election as its reason for not endorsing him. These are the editorial board's assessments.

    The Detroit News won't endorse in Michigan's 12th Congressional District race · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Sep 25
    poll
    No public poll of the MI-12 race identified as of late September 2026

    A review of public polling found no poll of the MI-12 race as of September 25, 2026. This reflects the absence of publicly available polling, not necessarily the absence of private polling.

    James D. Hooper (R) — U.S. Representative, MI-12 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Sep 4
    filing
    Hooper certified as Republican candidate for MI-12 on Michigan's official candidate list

    Michigan's Department of State certified 'Hooper, James D.' as the Republican candidate for the November 3, 2026 general election in Michigan's 12th Congressional District. The listing was captured by September 24.

    James D. Hooper (R) — U.S. Representative, MI-12 | 2026 profile · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Michigan Health Choice Alliance organization
    Endorsement attributed to a Facebook post on this date; predates the 2026 election cycle. ivoterguide.com · Jul 8, 2022

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$775
Spent
$1,411
Cash on hand
$8,381

As of Jul 15, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H2MI12198(opens in a new tab)

Sources 4

  1. [1] The Detroit News won't endorse in Michigan's 12th Congressional District race(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  2. [2] James D. Hooper (R) — U.S. Representative, MI-12 | 2026 profile(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  3. [3] Voter Guide Profile for MI U.S. Rep., Dist. 12 candidate - James D ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 22, 2026
  4. [4] Issues - James Hooper for Congress(opens in a new tab) Jul 8, 2022
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