Perry Johnson Gains Traction in Michigan Governor Race With $10 Million Ad Blitz and Surging Poll Numbers

Republican Gubernatorial Hopeful Perry Johnson Closing Gap on Incumbent John James

NOVI, Mich. — Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson is making significant gains in the state's crowded governor's race, with new polling data showing him nearly even with the leading candidate, U.S. Rep. John James, just weeks before the Michigan Republican Party's endorsement convention.

Johnson's reported $10 million television advertisement blitz appears to be paying off, according to a newly released independent poll commissioned by JMC Analytics and Polling. The results show Johnson at 20% while James holds 23%, a significant improvement for the self-funded businessman who has twice lost previous gubernatorial races.

Poll Numbers Show Narrow Race

The poll, conducted among likely Republican primary voters, found the race between Johnson and James to be "neck-and-neck," with no other GOP candidate polling above 6%. Forty-four percent of respondents remained undecided.

Among those celebrating the results were Macomb County Republican political power broker Stanley Grot, a Shelby Township clerk who has backed Johnson's campaign. Grot attributed Johnson's surge to his business background and message.

"There's a reason for him peaking now," Grot said. "People are finding out who he is. James has an established name. But Perry is catching up fast. I believe in the next week and a half, he will pass James."

Grot added that Johnson's self-funded approach resembles Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. "He's self-funded like Trump and willing to speak against the status quo. This is our Donald Trump in Michigan."

Macomb County Becomes Battleground

Johnson's campaign made a strategic stop in Shelby Township, just outside Detroit, on Thursday to expand his message in Macomb County. The area is home to many of the state's Republican voters and Johnson's campaign headquarters.

"It's no secret that if you are going to win Michigan, you have to win in Macomb, because Macomb is one of the bastions for Republicans," Johnson told supporters at Da Francesco Italian Cuisine and Cafe in Shelby Township.

The campaign brought Johnson to James' own backyard, where he found a welcoming audience of approximately 120 precinct delegates and supporters. Johnson stressed the importance of winning Macomb County as essential to winning the statewide election.

Johnson, 78, is a Bloomfield Hills millionaire who describes himself as a "quality guru," advising corporate clients on how to improve business efficiencies. He has never held elected political office.

Top Issue: Cutting Waste and Fraud

The poll found that eliminating fraud, waste and abuse remains the top issue among likely Republican primary voters. This aligns with Johnson's campaign message, which focuses on cutting wasteful government spending and eliminating the state income tax.

Campaign strategist John Yob, serving as a general consultant for the Johnson campaign, credited the strong showing to Johnson's television advertisements that have allowed voters to better understand his platform.

"Since his TV ads hit the market in March, there's been a 40-point swing surge from James to Perry. In my view, a 40-point swing is the biggest thing that has ever happened in Michigan history," Yob said.

Johnson's Tax Plan Draws Criticism

Johnson has proposed eliminating Michigan's 4.25% personal income tax, a plan that has sparked debate over its feasibility and impact on state budgets.

His campaign claims the tax elimination would save median families $4,747 annually, though fact-checkers note that the actual savings would be lower once accounting for exemptions and credits.

Michigan's state income tax generated approximately $13.5 billion in revenue last fiscal year, and eliminating that funding would require significant spending cuts under the state's balanced budget requirement.

Other Republican candidates in the race, including Mike Cox, Aric Nesbitt and Ralph Rebandt, have also called for income tax elimination.

Democratic Field Also Active

Competing for the Democratic nomination are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat, is running for governor as an independent to succeed incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited.

Johnson has predicted that Benson will win the Democratic primary, which will be held at the Michigan Democratic Party's endorsement convention in Detroit next month.

Other Republican Candidates

The Republican field also includes former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard of DeWitt, and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township. A nominee will be chosen in the August primary election.

Republican Party Endorsement Convention

The Michigan Republican Party will hold its endorsement convention on Saturday, March 28, in Novi. The event will also decide nominees for secretary of state, attorney general, Michigan Supreme Court seats and other statewide offices.

Anthony Forlini, the Macomb County clerk, emerged as the Republican nominee for secretary of state, defeating fellow candidates Amanda Love and Monica Yatooma with more than 55% of delegate votes.

For attorney general, the party endorsed Doug Lloyd, the Eaton County prosecutor, who defeated other candidates including Kevin Kijewski.

The convention also selected nominees for the State Board of Education, Michigan Supreme Court seats, and governing boards that oversee Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

Competitive Race Ahead

The Michigan Republican Party has long held endorsement conventions in the spring to select nominees for major statewide offices. The system allows party activists to choose candidates before the public, a practice that critics say is outdated and disenfranchises voters.

Advocates argue the early endorsement process gives candidates more time to fundraise and campaign before the general election. But critics say it stacks the odds against moderate candidates who might better reflect the statewide electorate.

"If you change horses in August, that doesn't leave you much time for a new candidate to campaign," said David Dulio, a political science professor who leads the Oakland University Center for Civic Engagement.

The endorsement process is expected to continue with the Michigan Democratic Party's convention in Detroit next month, followed by the Michigan Republican Party's formal nominating convention in August as required by state law.

With the race tightening and both parties moving toward their conventions, Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial election promises to be one of the state's most closely watched political contests in recent years.