A formal complaint filed with a U.S. House committee alleges that U.S. Rep. John James, R-Mich., improperly used taxpayer-funded communications to reach audiences outside his congressional district while preparing a campaign for Michigan governor.
The complaint was submitted May 27 to the House Committee on House Administration by Carl Berry, former police chief of Plymouth, who resides in Michigan's 6th Congressional District, represented by Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell.
According to the complaint, Berry received a YouTube advertisement paid for by James' congressional office despite not living within Michigan's 10th Congressional District, which James represents. Berry argues that the communication violated House rules governing taxpayer-funded member communications, commonly known as franking.
Members of Congress are permitted to use official funds for communications intended to inform constituents about legislative activities, government services, and other official business. House guidelines state that unsolicited mass communications should primarily serve constituents within the member's district and that efforts should be made to minimize distribution outside district boundaries.
The complaint cites records from Google's advertising transparency database showing that one version of a YouTube advertisement sponsored by James' congressional office ran throughout the Detroit Designated Market Area between May 18 and June 1. That media market includes portions of several congressional districts beyond the 10th District, including the 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, and 13th districts.
Screenshots included with the complaint allegedly show two separate advertising campaigns. One campaign was reportedly targeted exclusively to Michigan's 10th Congressional District, while another broader campaign reached viewers throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
According to the complaint, the district-specific advertisement cost between $4,000 and $4,500 and reached as many as 250,000 viewers. The broader regional campaign allegedly cost between $6,000 and $7,000 and reached up to 450,000 viewers.
Berry argues that the existence of a district-specific advertising option demonstrates that James' office had the technical capability to limit communications to constituents but chose to expand the audience beyond district boundaries.
The House Communications Standards Manual states that unsolicited mass communications "must serve the district in which the Member represents" and "to the greatest extent possible, shall not be targeted outside of the Member's district." For digital advertising and other communications not tied to specific mailing addresses, the manual further requires that "best efforts must be made to ensure the communication is distributed to as few individuals outside the district as possible."
The complaint asks the committee to investigate whether James' congressional office violated House rules governing official communications and the use of taxpayer funds.
James, who is widely viewed as a potential Republican candidate for Michigan governor in 2026, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The House Committee on House Administration has not announced whether it will open a formal investigation.
The complaint comes as scrutiny increases nationwide over the use of taxpayer-funded communications by elected officials who are simultaneously pursuing higher office. While congressional offices routinely use digital advertising to communicate with constituents, House rules prohibit the use of official resources for campaign purposes.
No findings have been made regarding the allegations, and the complaint represents claims made by the complainant that have not been adjudicated by the House committee.
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