Republican Mike Bouchard has won the primary for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, according to projections by the Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ. Bouchard, an Army National Guard captain and Bronze Star recipient, secured the GOP nomination after President Donald Trump endorsed his candidacy.
On the Democratic side, Christina Hines, a former prosecutor from Warren, holds an early lead in the primary with approximately 50% of the vote, ahead of former Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Sterling Heights attorney Eric Chung. The Associated Press called the Republican primary shortly before 9:30 p.m. on August 4, while the Democratic race remained too close to call as thousands of ballots were still being counted.
Republican Primary Outcome
Bouchard, the son of former Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, defeated Justin Kirk, a Clinton Township lawyer, and Steffan Demetropoulos, a construction manager and Army veteran. Bouchard’s military service, including deployments to Iraq and the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as his Bronze Star for counter-ISIS operations, were central to his campaign. He has not previously held elected office but positioned himself as a Trump-aligned candidate advocating for a shift away from the previous administration’s policies.
Democratic Primary Race
Hines, who served as an assistant prosecutor in Macomb County, led with about 50% of the early vote, followed by Chung at 32% and Greimel at 18%. The race was characterized by minimal negative campaigning, with no debates or opposition research aired. Chung was the top fundraiser in the primary, while Hines received stronger late-stage support from local party organizations.
Context: Open Seat in Competitive District
The 10th District, which includes parts of Macomb and Oakland counties, is considered a swing seat after Republican incumbent John James opted to run for governor instead of seeking re-election. James, a two-term congressman and former Army Ranger, won re-election in 2024 by a 51.1% to 45.0% margin over Democrat Carl Marlinga, and by 48.8% to 48.3% in 2022. His departure created an open race in a district that has trended competitive in recent cycles.
Both parties view the seat as pivotal in the fight for control of the U.S. House. Republicans are emphasizing Bouchard’s military record and Trump’s endorsement, while Democrats are positioning Hines as a pragmatic alternative in a district with a history of narrow margins. The general election is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the country.