U.S. Rep. John James, a Republican running for Michigan governor, was booed by several delegates at the Michigan GOP convention over the weekend. ​

A video shows James’s rival Perry Johnson walking through a packed room as he shakes hands with fellow attendees. Then, just as James took the stage, a cacophony of boos began.

“Wow, he’s getting booed,” said one voice in the background. “John James is getting booed!” said another. Those who weren't booing looked on, amused.

James is one of several Republicans seeking the nomination to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, with the primary set for Aug. 4.

He was originally viewed as an early front-runner; however, recent coverage has pointed to a shift in public opinion, meaning a tightening contest as other candidates press their cases and delegates grow louder about who should carry the GOP banner.

During his remarks, James leaned into his record in Congress and his military service in Iraq, and framed himself as a tested conservative who can win statewide.

He also highlighted his recent vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security during the ongoing partial government shutdown, a move he said reflected responsibility rather than politics.

“It’s not right for Congress to get paid while tens of thousands of these essential personnel work every day to keep our airports secure without timely pay. If they’re not getting paid, neither should we,” he said online about the shutdown.

​The flood of booing gave some Democrats an opening, and critics used the moment to show that the Republican field is fractured and too closely tied to former President Donald Trump’s agenda. ​

Black Republicans have also faced added scrutiny in statewide races, making James’s campaign both symbolically and politically significant in Michigan.