Bronze Star veteran and Republican congressional candidate Michael Bouchard secured a victory in the GOP primary on Tuesday. He aims to represent Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, having received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Republicans hope that Bouchard’s distinguished credentials and focus on redirecting national policies will help maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Currently, the district remains competitive. Incumbent Representative John James of Michigan last won reelection in 2024 with a 51.1% to 45.0% margin over Democratic opponent Carl Marlinga, who is a judge and former prosecutor. In the 2022 election cycle, James narrowly defeated Marlinga by 48.8% to 48.3%. James, currently benefiting from incumbency, announced his decision to vacate the seat to run for governor, viewing it as a step towards securing Michigan’s prosperity.
“My family, like countless others, arrived in our great state to seek better opportunities in manufacturing and automotive industries, aiming to achieve the American dream,” James stated.
Bouchard has emphasized his military service with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, including deployments to Iraq and the U.S. southern border. Like James, Bouchard earned a Bronze Star for his efforts in the mission against ISIS. As a political newcomer without prior office experience, Bouchard introduces himself as part of a broader shift away from previous administrative directions.
In a campaign video, he stated, “Under President Trump, I led missions on the southern border; we completed our tasks. Day one of Biden’s administration, he halted us and opened the border, leading to human trafficking, drug smuggling, and entry of known terrorists.” Bouchard emphasized, “The Army taught me weak leadership has consequences. I’m prepared to guide America back.”
On his campaign website, Bouchard prioritizes enhancing American manufacturing, completing the southern border wall, and bolstering parental involvement in education.
Trump endorsed Bouchard on Truth Social, praising him as “a third-generation Michigander, brave U.S. Army veteran, and Bronze Star recipient.” Trump expressed complete support for Bouchard representing Michigan’s 10th district.
Bouchard has also attracted endorsements from prominent congressional leaders, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain. With the primary behind him, Bouchard prepares for the general election on November 3.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.