Four candidates — Michael Bouchard, Steffan Demetropoulos, Justin Kirk, and Robert Lulgjuraj — are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 10th Congressional District on August 4, 2026. Bouchard and Lulgjuraj lead in polling, fundraising, and media attention.
Incumbent John James (R) announced in 2025 that he would not seek re-election and would instead run for governor of Michigan. Democrats are targeting the district, which covers southern Macomb County and portions of Oakland County, as a potential pickup opportunity in the 2026 midterms. The race is rated Lean Republican/Toss-up by independent race raters.
Inside Elections' Jacob Rubashkin wrote that despite entering the race months later than Lulgjuraj, "Bouchard begins with a clear advantage thanks to his name and political connections. After 28 years as sheriff, eight years in the legislature, and statewide runs for Senate and governor, his father is among the best-known Republicans in the state." Bouchard said, "I absolutely love the support my father and some of our lifelong friends have brought," and that "the majority of our donors are new to supporting a Bouchard, and I think that's because I'm the only one in this race with the experience that I bring to the table." Lulgjuraj said, "I thank the family for their service, but I am the best qualified academically, resume-wise, and my strong MAGA conservative values to represent this district well, and I'm from here."
