Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
18.4%
36.4%
30%
13.3%
5.4%
Republican
Perry Johnson
Republican candidate for Governor in Michigan
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
$1.3M
AUG 11, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$1.3MAUG 11, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
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.comwlns.comdeadlinedetroit.compolitico.commichigandems.comfreep.commichiganpublic.orgwashingtonpost.comoddsshopper.comprimetimer.comvotesmart.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orgfec.govnga.orgcongress.gov
Political 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.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 18, 2026
Perry Johnson finished second in Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary, losing to John James, who won the nomination. Johnson had campaigned on cutting state spending, auditing government, and possibly eliminating the state income tax, while saying he was self-funding his run. During the race, he also sued James over campaign wording he said was misleading. The latest reports show the primary result is now settled, with James moving on to the general election.
en.wikipedia.org+48
Articles
MLM Live Michigan 1 month ago
$30M vs. Trump endorsement: How James won the GOP governor primary, what’s next?
Negative
CNCBS News1 month ago
Perry Johnson talks 2026 Michigan gubernatorial campaign ahead of primary
Neutral
CNCBS News5 months ago
Perry Johnson sues John James over campaign phrasing, calling it misleading
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner5 months ago
Michigan governor hopeful accuses rival of tricking voters
Negative
Latest Polls
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Perry Johnson currently averages 18.4%, ranking third in this race, 11.6 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 18.4%Position: thirdMargin: -11.6 ptsLatest poll: 22.0% (Jul 28 - 29)Polls included: 22
Average recalculated from polls through Jul 28 - 29.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2024Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total 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
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements