WASHINGTON — First-term U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, has missed more roll-call votes than any other member of Michigan’s 15-person congressional delegation so far this session, according to newly compiled attendance figures reviewed by The Detroit News and confirmed by two independent vote-tracking services.
Data published this week by the non-partisan analytics firms GovTrack and Quorum indicate that James was absent for 44 of 430 House votes taken between January 2023 and mid-March 2024 — an absentee rate of 10.2 percent. The House median over the same period is roughly 2.9 percent.
James’ office declined an on-the-record interview, but a spokesperson said in an email that the lawmaker’s absences were “largely driven by family obligations and previously scheduled National Guard training.” James, a former Army helicopter pilot, continues to serve as a reservist.
The second-highest absence rate among Michiganders belongs to Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who missed 39 votes, or 9.0 percent. On the Senate side, Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow missed five of 401 votes, mostly in late 2023 while caring for an ailing sister, according to her office.
Legislative analysts note that missed votes do not always signal disengagement. “Many absences occur on days when leadership schedules large blocs of non-controversial votes,” said Molly Reynolds, a congressional scholar at the Brookings Institution. “That said, double-digit no-show rates inevitably raise questions for constituents.”
James won his suburban Detroit seat in 2022 by fewer than 2,000 votes. Democrats have already seized on the attendance figures. “If you don’t show up to work, you don’t deserve the paycheck,” said Emma Brown, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Republicans counter that James has still supported every major GOP policy item. “John remains a reliable vote for lower taxes and a stronger military when it counts,” said a House Republican leadership aide.
Historically, high absenteeism has had mixed electoral consequences. Former Rep. Justin Amash, I-Mich., missed 16 percent of votes in 2019 but easily won renomination before leaving Congress voluntarily. Still, political strategist Adrian Hemond of the Lansing-based firm Grassroots Midwest warns the optics are different for a freshman in a swing district. “James can’t afford a narrative that he’s taking the job for granted,” Hemond said.
With House leaders preparing for a string of contentious budget votes after the Easter recess, both parties will be watching the Michigan Republican’s attendance closely. The stakes include not only James’ own re-election but also control of a House chamber where the GOP holds a razor-thin margin.