Republican Representative John James secured the GOP nomination for Michigan governor on Tuesday, defeating businessman Perry Johnson in the primary election. James, a two-time Senate candidate, will now face incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the general election.
James' victory marks his first statewide win after previous unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020. He received a significant endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who called him an "America First Congressman" poised to "fight tirelessly" for the state.
The closing weeks of the primary campaign were marked by personal attacks. Johnson, who invested nearly $30 million of his personal funds into his campaign, reportedly circulated unverified claims and a website suggesting James had been "unfaithful to conservatives" in his relationship with Democratic Representative Hillary Scholten. Scholten dismissed the attacks as "false."
James' campaign raised over $10 million from donors and built a coalition of support that included conservative figures like Kid Rock and Ted Nugent, law enforcement organizations, and Republican leaders.
His platform includes cutting taxes, supporting Michigan's auto industry, expanding school choice, and addressing immigration and crime. James, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, previously won a U.S. House seat in 2022 and has become a prominent Republican figure in Michigan.
The November contest is expected to be closely watched, as the winner will lead a key battleground state that has influenced recent presidential elections. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, making the gubernatorial seat open.
A Detroit Regional Chamber poll indicated a tight race in the general election, with Benson leading James narrowly, and independent candidate Mike Duggan also polling significantly.