GOP Senate candidate is worried he’ll lose if 2020 is a referendum on Donald Trump

In 2018, Republican John James challenged Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and closely embraced President Donald Trump. He lost by 6.5% points.

In 2020, James is running for U.S. Senate once again, this time challenging Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) -- but is attempting to distance himself from the unpopular commander-in-chief.

“A vote for me is a vote for me,” James told MLive.com.

"This race isn’t about President Trump," he argued.

An August poll by Morning Consult found only 42% of Michigan voters approve of Trump, while 55% disapprove.

Since he took office, Trump's net-favorability rating in Michigan has fallen by 21% points.

[caption id="attachment_1545457" align="aligncenter" width="788"]

Screenshot of Morning Consult's polling of Trump's approval rating in Michigan.[/caption]