Summary
- Robert Lulgjuraj launched the campaign Aug. 7.
- Running for open Michigan 10th District seat.
- Macomb County prosecutor and trial lawyer.
- Competitive race could decide 2026 House control.
- Faces Democrats including Casey Armitage.
Instead of running for reelection, U.S. Representative John James, a Republican from Shelby Township, chose to run for governor of Michigan.
According to his campaign website, Lulgjuraj is currently a prosecutor in the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office and was once a trial lawyer at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
"Democrats are now pushing forward radicals like Zohran Mamdani of New York who want more socialism and more government control over your lives,"
Lulgjuraj said in a video posted on Facebook announcing his candidacy that references the New York mayoral candidate, whose name he mispronounces.
"And I will fight every day to protect the American dream from socialist Democrats,"
Lulgjuraj adds.
James' decision to leave his position has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who supported his bids for the U.S. House in 2022 and 2024.
"You know he's running for governor, but I'm not sure I'm happy about that, John. Do we have somebody good to take your seat?"
Trump asked at a June ceremony at the White House during which the president approved a measure James sponsored to overturn a California vehicle emissions standard.
"Absolutely," James said in response to Trump's question.
In the U.S. House, Republicans have a slim 219–212 majority
Alongside Lulgjuraj, open carry supporter Casey Armitage of Vassar, who submitted a statement of candidacy to the Federal Election Commission in June, is running on the Republican side for Michigan's 10th Congressional District. Former Commerce Department attorney Eric Chung, Rochester Army veteran Alex Hawkins, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, and former Warren candidate for Macomb County prosecutor Christina Hines are among the Democratic candidates.
An impartial body tasked with designing equitable voting districts in Michigan that do not favor any political party over another created the district. In 2022, James defeated former Macomb County judge and prosecutor Carl Marlinga by 0.49 percentage points, or 1,600 votes out of 326,237 cast, in the first election in the newly created 10th Congressional District. That year's U.S. House race was among the closest.
How might Lulgjuraj's candidacy influence the upcoming 2026 Congressional race dynamics?
Robert Lulgjuraj's candidacy in Michigan's 10th Congressional District could influence the 2026 race dynamics primarily by adding competitive Republican presence in a pivotal open seat that is crucial for overall House control.
The 10th District race is already considered highly competitive and important because the current incumbent is not running for re-election, making the seat open and more contestable. Lulgjuraj, as a Republican, may energize the GOP base and attract voters in a district that has been a battleground in recent elections.
His candidacy also brings a potentially fresh profile as a Macomb County assistant prosecuting attorney, which could appeal to voters looking for local law enforcement experience amid national concerns over crime and justice.