John James, a Michigan Republican running for the U.S. Senate , represents one of the GOP's best chances to take a seat away from the Democrats .

But James has also run into a familiar political problem for Republicans . Back in 2017, he called for repealing the Affordable Care Act , describing the law as a monstrosity. Now he is under attack for trying to take away the laws protections for people with preexisting conditions.

In response, James has adopted a strategy Republicans around the country have used. In a widely circulating television advertisement and in interviews with local journalists, James has cited a family members medical problems specifically, his sons asthma as proof that he would always look out for people with preexisting conditions.

My son has a preexisting condition ... I will always fight to protect your health care, James told WXYZ-TV , the ABC affiliate in Detroit.