John James Projects Victory in Michigan Republican Primary

U.S. Rep. John James, endorsed by former President Trump, is projected as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary race in Michigan, according to CBS News. As of 10:47 p.m., unofficial results show James leading with 155,109 votes, ahead of businessman Perry Johnson, who has 111,942 votes. James will face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic primary winner.

Candidates Overview

John James announced his gubernatorial bid in April 2025. With a background as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army and president of a logistics group, he previously lost Senate races to Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters but triumphed in Congressional races against Democrat Carl Marlinga in 2022 and 2024.

James’s gubernatorial campaign received a significant boost with endorsements from former President Trump and Rep. Aric Nesbitt. His entry left Michigan’s 10th Congressional seat open.

Perry Johnson, a businessman with roots in the American auto industry, entered the gubernatorial race in January 2026. Previously disqualified in 2022 over invalid petition signatures, he also made a 2024 presidential bid but didn’t qualify for debates. Johnson aims to apply business efficiency to state governance.

Key Platform Issues

In Congress, John James emphasized national security, energy independence, and law enforcement support. He recently addressed the Canadian wildfire smoke affecting Michigan, advocating for Canadian efforts to mitigate such impacts. As governor, he plans to focus on Michigan’s environmental resiliency.

Perry Johnson proposes eliminating state income tax to allow families to retain about $4,747 annually. He suggests auditing state spending for efficiency and aims to reform property taxes. Johnson, funding his campaign himself, draws on past experiences with financial hardship to shape his perspective.