Even though he makes his home in suburban Detroit, U.S. Senate candidate John James would seem a good fit for the Upper Peninsula.

Like many who make their home in the U.P., he’s a veteran. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, James was an Army Ranger helicopter pilot who in eight years served — and led troops — in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He earned two master’s degrees after leaving the Army and now heads Renaissance Global Logistics, a shipping business that is part of the auto supply company his father started after moving to Michigan from Mississippi in the 1960s.

So James knows what’s involved with running a business — and what will be needed to recover from the effects of COVID-19, both nationally and in Michigan.

He should be able to understand, as a businessman, that employers and working families in the Upper Peninsula may require a different approach than more urban areas downstate.

The Detroit News editorial board, in recently endorsing James, noted, “To stimulate the economy, he advocates continued tax and regulatory reform, as well as policies that encourage more vigorous trade.”

He has gained the backing of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as well. “Michigan needs better and stronger leadership in the U.S. Senate, and that is why I am pleased to announce the Michigan Chamber’s endorsement of John James for the U.S. Senate,” Michigan Chamber CEO and President Rich Studley said in a statement. “James is an entrepreneur who is passionate about our state and country, and he will be a dynamic, energetic and effective leader in the U.S. Senate.”

James also supports the Trump Administration’s approach of extra funding and accelerated testing to get a COVID-19 vaccine out to the public as quickly as possible, which will better protect even our most vulnerable residents.

Meanwhile, he would work in the Senate to ensure lockdowns and shutdowns don’t continue to push some businesses — and households — to the brink.

In addition, James will bring “the unique perspective of a Black Republican” to the Senate, as noted by The Detroit News, while providing some balance among Michigan’s senators that better represents the state’s makeup.

“We believe John James has the potential to become an influential senator who, while putting Michigan first, will also speak for a group of Americans who are greatly underrepresented in the Senate,” the Detroit News stated in backing James.

Michigan would do better with a change. James would provide that as the state’s next U.S. senator.