A Democrat, Cherry also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, and was the immediate past chair of the international Great Lakes Commission (of which he is still a member).

However, on January 5, he announced his withdrawal from the race,[1] citing an inability to "secure enough money to make my candidacy fully viable.

As the lieutenant governor, John Cherry presided over the State Senate, casting votes there in the event of a tie.

[citation needed] Michigan also increased standards in the K-12 curriculum and graduation requirements consistent with the Commission's recommendations.

[citation needed]Cherry serves as the Chairman of the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit's Board of Trustees 2016 to present.