Michigan GOP gubernatorial hopeful backs privacy limits while keeping Flock cameras

In a recent press call, Republican gubernatorial hopeful John James emphasized that protecting privacy under the Fourth Amendment cannot be sacrificed, yet he opposed a complete ban on Flock license-plate cameras. He argued that constitutional safeguards and public safety can be balanced by imposing limits on data storage and access while retaining the technology for tracking serious offenders. James’ position mirrors that of Ohio’s Vivek Ramaswamy and other candidates who favor regulation rather than elimination.

Governors in Pennsylvania and Texas have taken opposite steps, with Pennsylvania’s governor and his Republican challenger supporting a ban and Texas’ governor halting state spending on the devices. In Michigan, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also favors a temporary moratorium on data-center construction, though she declined to comment further. The issue has become a flashpoint in the 2026 elections, highlighting bipartisan tension over surveillance tools.