DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Republican Congressman John James could become Michigan’s first Black governor in November. But don’t expect an endorsement from the Michigan NAACP. It’s not because the organization necessarily opposes James. It simply doesn’t endorse political candidates – Republican, Democrat or otherwise.

In their bylaws under “political action,” the national NAACP states, “All political action shall be nonpartisan and shall not endorse candidates for public office.”

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That nonpartisan restriction, however, doesn’t apply to every organization representing Black voters and political interests in Michigan. The Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus endorsed James’ Democratic opponent, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, back in January. Caucus Chair Keith Williams said Benson had demonstrated a focus on “closing the racial wealth gap” and helping families move “from poverty to prosperity.” The caucus describes its mission as promoting the political and economic interests of African Americans while supporting Democratic leadership that advances equity and opportunity.

Nonpartisan on Paper, Politically Active in Practice

While the NAACP’s bylaws keep the organization from formally endorsing candidates, that doesn’t mean it stays out of political debates or avoids taking positions on issues that frequently divide Republicans and Democrats. In fact, the Michigan NAACP’s website and social media make clear that many of its policy positions align with those generally associated with the political left. And on its national website, the organization highlights opposition to “Project 2025,” along with being aligned with campaigns supporting economic and climate justice and opposing increased policing and incarceration.

Additionally, in Michigan, April’s NAACP Detroit Branch Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner featured keynote speaker Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and included an award going to Democratic recipient NY Attorney General Letitia James and a special tribute honoring the life and legacy of deceased Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

A Candidate, Not an Endorsee

James appeared Friday at a candidates forum held as part of the Michigan State Conference NAACP’s 90th Annual Convention festivities in Detroit. The public forum featured candidates for governor and other statewide offices from across the political spectrum. James used the opportunity to make his case directly to attendees, taking aim at non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and efforts to push data centers into communities that don’t want them. He pointed to his opponent’s family, which he said has profited hundreds of thousands of dollars from data center deals, while Jocelyn Benson’s running mate, Winnie Brinks, supported the use of NDAs that James argued helped keep details of those deals out of public view. “That ends when I’m governor,” James told the audience.

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James is only the second Black gubernatorial nominee in Michigan history – and, interestingly, both have been Republicans. William Lucas became the first in 1986, when he ran unsuccessfully against Democratic Gov. James Blanchard.

So while James can collect endorsements from organizations such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, and many others – there won’t be an official NAACP endorsement to add to the campaign website.