Michigan Governor Primary Heats Up With Perry Johnson Surging in Polls

LANSING — The Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary race is becoming increasingly competitive as businessman Perry Johnson closes in on U.S. Rep. John James, according to new polling data released in late March. Johnson's aggressive advertising campaign and grassroots outreach efforts appear to be resonating with Republican primary voters.

The latest independent poll conducted by JMC Analytics and Polling for the Michigan Advance shows James at 23% among likely Republican primary voters, with Johnson trailing at 20%. The poll also found that 44% of respondents remain undecided, suggesting significant room for momentum shifts as the August 4 primary election approaches.

Johnson's $10 Million Ad Blitz Making Waves

Johnson, 78, has self-funded his campaign to the tune of $13 million so far, according to a campaign employee. His reported $10 million advertisement blitz has been relentless across Michigan's airwaves and roadways, featuring campaign bus tours and targeted messaging on Johnson's signature issues.

"We need to trim the fat out of the government and get the people," Johnson told reporters during a recent campaign stop in Grand Rapids. "Let the people keep their money."

Johnson's campaign focuses on three core issues: income tax elimination, property tax reform, and a comprehensive audit of state government spending. He claims his plan would save Michigan families an average of $4,747 annually by eliminating the state's 4.25% personal income tax.

Mixed Reception at GOP Convention

Tensions between the two campaigns escalated during the Republican endorsement convention on Saturday in Novi, where James received a mixed reaction from the audience. James has also faced criticism from some Republican opponents for not appearing at a series of debates hosted throughout the state.

Campaign strategist John Yob, serving as a general consultant for the Johnson campaign, credited the strong showing to Johnson's TV advertisements. "Since his TV ads hit the market in March, there's been a 40-point swing surge from James to Perry," Yob said. "In my view, a 40-point swing is the biggest thing that has ever happened in Michigan history."

James Campaign Defends Fundraising Text

The text message controversy came after Johnson posted a screenshot of a fundraising text sent by the James campaign that read, "My campaign could be over." Johnson used the image to attack James as a weak candidate whose campaign was collapsing.

James' campaign fired back, saying that Johnson is "so vain, he's trying to make this text about him." Campaign spokesperson Hannah Osantowske defended the message as a strategic move showing polling data, stating, "Team James sent a general election themed fundraising text message showing John in the worst case within the margin of error. The RCP average has him ahead of Benson by 3.5 and Duggan by 16."

But the Johnson team doubled down, claiming James is "in deep trouble, he knows it, and is now communicating that desperation to his supporters."

Macomb County Key Battleground

Johnson wrapped up a recent multi-city bus tour with a pair of stops in Macomb County, where he found a welcoming audience despite the rainy weather. He emphasized the importance of winning in Macomb County as essential to winning the governor's race.

"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 & Cafe in Shelby Township.

The poll showed Johnson at 20% among likely Republican primary voters in Macomb County, with James at 23%. Macomb County Republican political power broker Stanley Grot, the Shelby Township clerk, attributed Johnson's showing to voters discovering who he is.

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

Tax Cut Proposals Under Scrutiny

Johnson's proposal to eliminate the state income tax has generated significant debate. A fact check by Bridge Michigan analyzed his savings claims and found that most families would not save as much as he suggests.

Johnson's proposal would eliminate the 4.25% state income tax, which generated about $13.5 billion in revenue last fiscal year. However, experts say eliminating that funding would require significant spending cuts to balance the state budget, as Michigan's Constitution requires balanced budgets each year.

What's at Stake

The Michigan gubernatorial primary will determine who will face Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the general election. Benson has been polling well against former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Independent Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson is also competing for the Democratic nomination, with Benson currently holding the lead.

The Republican primary 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.

Looking Ahead

With the primary election on August 4, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts. Johnson's aggressive advertising and campaign stops continue, while James is focused on defending his lead and addressing the criticisms from opponents and some Republican voters.

The race is becoming increasingly competitive, with undecided voters still representing a significant portion of the electorate. As the primary approaches, Michigan voters will have their say on which Republican candidate will represent their party in the general election.

Sources

  • https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/johnson-says-james-campaign-collapsing-174911092.html
  • https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/politics/michigan-politics/republican-gubernatorial-candidate-perry-johnson-grand-rapids/69-1f0f2c73-6416-4c2b-9afc-5cb2b34bd2c1
  • https://www.macombdaily.com/2026/03/27/gop-gubernatorial-candidate-perry-johnson-brings-fight-to-john-james-backyard-in-shelby-twp/
  • https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/fact-check-perry-johnsons-4747-plan-overstates-michigan-tax-cut-savings/