Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
17.7%
35.8%
30%
12.5%
5.7%
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
$883.8K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBusiness executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age78 years old (Jan 23, 1948)
GenderMale
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LocationMichigan
BackgroundBusiness executive
EducationUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.S.)
Notable personal detailsPerry Lawrence Johnson is an American businessman, author, and Republican political candidate based in Michigan. He is known for work in quality management and ISO-related standards and has led businesses under Perry Johnson International Holdings. He ran for the 2022 Republican primary for Governor of Michigan and later sought the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before ending his campaign in October 2023.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgperryjohnson.comwikidata.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgcitizenscount.orgfr.wikipedia.orgmichiganrepublicanprimary.comabcnews.comperryjohnsonfoundation.commetrobiography.comballotready.orgstjosephcountymi.govhillsdalecollegian.comtuesdayforumcharlotte.orgdetroitchamber.comcdn.ballotpedia.orglegislature.mi.govgovinfo.govfox2detroit.com9and10news.combridgemi.comarabamericannews.comontheissues.orgmichiganadvance.comapnews.comiowacapitaldispatch.comopencampaign.comcbsnews.comrollcall.comyahoo.comfoxnews.comfacebook.comdeadlinedetroit.comnbcnews.comfreep.commichiganpublic.orgtheoaklandpress.comballotpedia.orgwlns.compredictionedge.comx.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgdocquery.fec.govcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orghistory.house.govfec.govnga.orgcongress.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports eliminating Michigan’s state income tax and cutting state spending through efficiency measures and audits; proposes phasing out the income tax to spur growth and attract businesses. Emphasizes fiscal discipline, government efficiency, and reduced taxation as central elements of his economic platform.
Healthcare
Perry Johnson has made statements both supporting market-based reforms—calling for insurance competition across state lines—and earlier in his career expressed support for single-payer/Medicare-for-All and universal coverage. His recent public materials emphasize competitive, interstate insurance solutions while historical remarks show prior endorsement of Medicare-for-All, producing mixed signals on a consistent healthcare stance.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate calls for building a border wall, 'tight and non-porous' border security, and a zero-tolerance policy sending people who entered illegally back to their countries of origin with no reentry. He also supports strict vetting and worker-visa pathways for vetted immigrants while prioritizing enforcement and deportation measures.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate is pro‑life, states that life begins at conception, and supports strict abortion limits with the primary exception being to save the life of the mother. He has declined to rule out banning abortion in cases of rape or incest and has expressed support for older Michigan law that would ban most abortions.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanded domestic energy production including oil, natural gas, mining and pipelines while opposing immediate phase-out of fossil fuels; favors repealing federal climate executive orders and reducing regulatory barriers to energy projects while also endorsing renewable energy development and emissions reduction through market measures.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate identifies as pro-Second Amendment and favors gun rights while running as a Republican. Public materials and news coverage describe support for gun rights without indicating advocacy for new major firearm restrictions. There is no clear public evidence of support for progressive gun-control measures such as assault weapons bans or universal background checks.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 31, 2026
Perry Johnson is in the middle of Michigan’s Republican governor primary, where he is now one of the main contenders against U.S. Rep. John James ahead of the Aug. 4 vote. He has been campaigning on a state efficiency audit, possible elimination of the income tax, property tax reform, and tighter control of state spending, while saying he is self-funding his bid. Johnson has also been involved in a legal fight with James over campaign wording that he says is misleading, and he continues to criticize Trump’s endorsement of James.
en.wikipedia.org+51
Articles
CNCBS News2 days ago
Perry Johnson talks 2026 Michigan gubernatorial campaign ahead of primary
Neutral
CNCBS News3 months ago
Perry Johnson sues John James over campaign phrasing, calling it misleading
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner3 months ago
Michigan governor hopeful accuses rival of tricking voters
Negative
CNCBS News11 days ago
Trump to rally in Michigan's Oakland County as early voting opens in key primary
Neutral
Polls
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Perry Johnson for Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Jack Bergman
Elected official
Jack Bergman endorsed Perry Johnson for Michigan governor in the 2022 Republican primary.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2024Total raisedCash on hand
$29.7M
$22.3M
$14.9M
$7.4M
$0
2024
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2024
$29.7M
$0.00
$28.8M
$1.8M
Source: FEC