Lansing, Michigan, January 27, 2026
Perry Johnson, an Oakland County businessman, has officially announced his candidacy for Michigan governor in the upcoming election. This is his second attempt after being disqualified in 2022. In a recent campaign video, he called for governmental reforms and highlighted his commitment to addressing inefficiencies within the state’s system. The political landscape in Michigan is competitive, with several prominent candidates from both parties already in the race.
Lansing, Michigan – Perry Johnson Announces Second Bid for Governor
Perry Johnson, an Oakland County businessman and former Republican gubernatorial candidate, has declared his intention to run for Michigan governor in the upcoming 2026 election. This marks his second attempt at the state’s highest office, following a disqualification in 2022 due to insufficient valid petition signatures.
Campaign Announcement
In a video released on January 26, 2026, Johnson criticized the current state government, stating the need to “shake up the system.” He emphasized his commitment to reforming Michigan’s government, highlighting inefficiencies that he believes hinder the state’s progress. This proactive approach resonates with many Michigan residents who are calling for positive change and increased accountability in local governance.
Previous Political Endeavors
Johnson’s initial gubernatorial campaign in 2022 ended when the Michigan Bureau of Elections determined that his campaign did not submit the required number of valid signatures for nominating petitions. Despite this setback, he pursued the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew from the race in October 2023 after failing to qualify for the GOP presidential debates. He later spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Current Political Landscape
With incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited and unable to seek re-election, the race for Michigan’s governorship is wide open. Johnson joins a competitive Republican field that includes prominent candidates such as:
- U.S. Representative John James
- Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox
- State Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt
- Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard
On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are vying for the nomination. Additionally, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent candidate, further adding to the dynamics of the upcoming election.
Johnson’s Campaign Strategy
In his campaign announcement, Johnson revealed plans to self-fund his bid, committing $9 million of his own money over the next two months. This substantial investment underscores his dedication to the campaign and his belief in the need for systemic change within Michigan’s government, reflecting a trend in recent politics where personal investment can signal a candidate’s commitment to their campaign objectives.
Background Information
Perry Johnson, born on January 23, 1948, in Dolton, Illinois, is a management consultant and author known for his expertise in international quality control standards and certification. He founded Perry Johnson Registrars Inc., a Michigan-based company specializing in business certification services. His previous political activities include his 2022 gubernatorial campaign and his 2024 presidential bid, both of which were unsuccessful.
Election Timeline
The Republican primary for the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with the general election to follow on November 3, 2026. As the election approaches, candidates from both parties and independent campaigns are expected to intensify their efforts to secure voter support across the state. Strong grassroots campaigns and innovative outreach strategies will be crucial as candidates engage with diverse communities in Michigan.
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- Former candidate Perry Johnson joins crowded Republican field running for governor of Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Perry Johnson?
Perry Johnson is an Oakland County businessman and management consultant known for his expertise in international quality control standards and certification. He founded Perry Johnson Registrars Inc., a Michigan-based company specializing in business certification services.
What is Perry Johnson’s political background?
Johnson ran for Michigan governor in 2022 but was disqualified due to insufficient valid petition signatures. He also pursued the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew from the race in October 2023 after failing to qualify for the GOP presidential debates.
Who are the other Republican candidates for Michigan governor?
The Republican field includes U.S. Representative John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, State Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, and former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard.
Who are the Democratic candidates for Michigan governor?
On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are vying for the nomination. Additionally, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent candidate.
What is the election timeline for the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race?
The Republican primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with the general election to follow on November 3, 2026.
Key Features of Perry Johnson’s 2026 Gubernatorial Bid
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Perry Johnson |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Previous Political Attempts | 2022 Michigan gubernatorial candidate (disqualified), 2024 Republican presidential candidate (withdrew) |
| Campaign Announcement Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Self-Funding Commitment | $9 million over the next two months |
| Primary Election Date | August 4, 2026 |
| General Election Date | November 3, 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
