Perry Johnson
Coverage of Perry Johnson in the Nexus archive.
- Jay DeBoyer could help John James avoid a nasty GOP convention fight
John James selected Jay DeBoyer to be his running mate for the general election. Political observers view this choice as strategically wise, noting that DeBoyer can highlight failures of Democratic leadership and provides valuable legislative experience. Additionally, DeBoyer is known for focusing on government excess and lack of transparency.
- Education will be a key topic as Benson and James face off in Michigan governor’s race
Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James will face off in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan governor, with education as a key issue. Benson emphasizes equitable school funding and higher teacher salaries, while James supports expanding school choice and federal tax credit scholarships. Both candidates won their primary elections against opponents Chris Swanson and Perry Johnson.
- John James nets GOP nomination, will go head-to-head with Jocelyn Benson in November
John James secured the Republican nomination for Michigan governor, defeating Perry Johnson. He will face Jocelyn Benson, who won the Democratic nomination against Chris Swanson, in the November election.
- John James wins Republican nomination for Michigan governor, AP Projects
John James has won the Republican nomination for Michigan governor, as projected by the Associated Press. He is a two-term congressman from Michigan's 10th District who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, leading to Mike Cox's withdrawal from the race. James will face either Jocelyn Benson or Chris Swanson in the general election.
- Trump-backed candidate lands GOP nod, setting up high-stakes governor showdown
Trump-backed Republican Rep. John James won the GOP gubernatorial primary in Michigan, defeating Perry Johnson. He will face Democrat Jocelyn Benson in the general election. Trump's endorsement influence in GOP primaries has had mixed results this cycle.
- Trump-backed candidate lands GOP nod, setting up high-stakes governor showdown
Trump-backed candidate John James won the GOP primary in Michigan, securing the Republican nomination for governor. He will face Democrat Jocelyn Benson in the general election. Perry Johnson, a businessman who outspent James, lost the primary after a contentious race.
- Jocelyn Benson wins Michigan Democratic governor primary
Jocelyn Benson won Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial primary, securing a spot in the November general election. She will face the Republican primary winner, either John James or Perry Johnson, and has focused on issues like costs, wages, and efficiency reforms.
- Benson, James set to showdown in Michigan governor’s race
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and President Trump-endorsed Rep. John James (R-Mich.) are projected to face off in the Michigan governor’s race this fall, according to Decision Desk HQ. Benson defeated Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson for the Democratic nomination, while James defeated businessman Perry Johnson for the Republican nomination.
- John James leads Perry Johnson early in Michigan Republican governor primary
John James holds a double-digit lead over Perry Johnson in Michigan's Republican governor primary. James has spent $32 million on his campaign and is supported by Trump and the DeVos family, while Johnson emphasizes his business background and outsider status. Both candidates are vying to face Democratic nominees in November.
- Michigan’s top election official wins Democratic primary for governor, advances to battleground race
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, defeating Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. She will face either Rep. John James or Perry Johnson in the general election.
- Michigan’s top election official wins Democratic primary for governor, advances to battleground race
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary for governor, defeating Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. She will face either Rep. John James or Perry Johnson in the general election, with the race highlighted by election security and policy issues.
- Jocelyn Benson wins Democratic nomination for Michigan governor, AP projects
Jocelyn Benson has won the Democratic nomination for Michigan governor, according to the Associated Press. She previously served as Michigan's Secretary of State and defeated Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the primary. Benson will face either John James or Perry Johnson in the November general election.
- John James leads Perry Johnson early in Michigan Republican governor primary
John James is leading Perry Johnson in the Michigan Republican governor primary. The candidates are competing for the Republican nomination in Michigan's gubernatorial race.
- Full interviews: Hear from 4 candidates running for Michigan governor
Candidates for Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race, including John James, Jocelyn Benson, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson, discussed priorities like education, affordability, and public safety. Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Interviews were conducted by Local 4 ahead of the August 4 primary election.
- What’s on the ballot in the 2026 Michigan primary election
The 2026 Michigan primary election on Aug. 4 will include races for governor, U.S. Senate, and multiple U.S. House seats. Key gubernatorial candidates are Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson (Democratic) and John James, Perry Johnson, and Mike Cox (Republican). For U.S. Senate, Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed (Democratic) and Mike Rogers (Republican) are among the candidates. Several districts have multiple candidates for U.S. House seats.
- What to watch in the Aug. 4 primaries: Michigan Senate race tests Democrats’ path forward
Michigan's Aug. 4 primaries will test Democratic unity as progressive Abdul El-Sayed and establishment-backed Haley Stevens compete for the Senate nomination. AIPAC's $30 million support for Stevens highlights partisan divisions over Israel policy, while Trump's endorsement of John James faces a self-funded challenge in the gubernatorial race.
- What to watch in the Aug. 4 primaries: Michigan Senate race tests Democrats' path forward
Michigan's Aug. 4 primaries feature a contentious Democratic Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, with AIPAC spending over $30 million to support Stevens. The race tests Democratic unity amid divisions over U.S. policy in Gaza. Republican voters also choose between Trump-endorsed John James and self-funded Perry Johnson for governor.
- Johnson emphasizes funding strength for general election, while James shifts focus to Democrats
Republican gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson highlights his financial resources, including $30 million of personal funding and $5 million reserved for general election ads, contrasting with primary opponent John James's reported $1.4 million cash on hand. James focuses on criticizing the Democratic ticket and securing support for the general election, while Johnson claims he is the strongest candidate to defeat Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson.
- Michigan primary: 7 things to watch in US Senate, governor, other elections
Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election will determine nominees for US Senate, governor, and Congress, with key races including a competitive Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The outcome hinges on voter turnout and the impact of external spending, while local races include data center votes and tax initiatives. Over 1.2 million voters have already cast ballots via absentee or early in-person voting.
- Michigan’s GOP governor primary is getting weird
Michigan's Republican primary for governor is contentious between Rep. John James and Perry Johnson, with grassroots support for Johnson and personal attacks. The primary is set for Tuesday, with Jocelyn Benson as the likely Democratic nominee, amid challenges like gas prices and previous election losses.
- Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief
The article outlines recent endorsements for various political candidates in Michigan, including U.S. Senate and Congressional District races, as well as a gubernatorial bid. Key candidates like Haley Stevens, Abdul El-Sayed, and Jocelyn Benson received support from prominent figures and organizations such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, UFCW, and the Michigan Chronicle.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on taxes, housing, affordability
The article examines the positions of Michigan governor candidates on taxes, housing, and affordability. It lists the candidates as Jocelyn Benson, John James, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson, noting their party affiliations.
- Fact checks: John James, Perry Johnson on tax cuts, data centers and more
The article fact-checks claims made by Michigan gubernatorial candidates John James and Perry Johnson regarding tax cuts, data centers, and other issues. It highlights their rivalry in the Republican primary race.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on health care costs, access
Michigan gubernatorial candidates addressed health care issues including affordability, Medicaid funding, mental health, and aging. Candidates emphasized medical price transparency, with Democrats advocating cost control regulations and Republicans promoting competition to reduce prices. Perry Johnson declined to provide detailed responses, citing tax reforms instead.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on health care costs, access
The article outlines the positions of Michigan governor candidates on health care costs and access. Candidates listed include Jocelyn Benson, John James, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson.
- MAGA minus Trump: Perry Johnson’s $30M gamble on Michigan governor race
Perry Johnson's Michigan Republican governor campaign focused on policies aligned with President Trump, but he had to adjust strategies after Trump supported primary rival John James.
- Here’s a look at the key races in Michigan’s 2026 primary election
Michigan's 2026 primary election on Aug. 4 includes key races for governor, U.S. Senate, and multiple U.S. House districts. Term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Sen. Gary Peters are not seeking reelection, leading to competitive open-seat contests with multiple candidates in each race.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on data centers, the environment
Michigan gubernatorial candidates addressed environmental issues including data centers, clean energy, and water usage. The 2024 tax breaks for data centers spurred proposals like The Barn project, prompting debate over economic benefits versus environmental impact. Candidates agree on accountability for data centers but differ on enforcement and local control.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on data centers, the environment
The article examines the positions of four Michigan gubernatorial candidates—Jocelyn Benson, John James, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson—on data centers and environmental issues.
- State of the Race: Democrats line up behind Benson, Republicans face off in brutal two-way primary
The Democratic field for Michigan's governor is united behind Jocelyn Benson, while Republicans face a contentious primary between John James and Perry Johnson. The two GOP candidates have engaged in legal battles, mutual attacks, and policy disagreements over tax cuts and data center regulations. Johnson self-funds his campaign with significant personal wealth, while James relies on PAC support and raised less overall.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on schools, literacy
Michigan's four gubernatorial candidates address education challenges, including childhood literacy and teacher training. Proposals include hiring literacy coaches, mandating phonics instruction, and adopting the LETRS training program. A 2024 law requires literacy training for teachers by 2027-28 and 2031-32.
- Where Michigan governor candidates stand on schools, literacy
The article examines the positions of Michigan's governor candidates on schools and literacy. It features candidates including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, US Rep. John James, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson.
- Breaking down 3 key races we are watching a week ahead of the 2026 August Primary
Michigan's 2026 August Primary features three key races: the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries, and the Democratic U.S. Senate Primary for Senator Gary Peters' open seat. Candidates include Congressman John James, Perry Johnson, Jocelyn Benson, Chris Swanson, Haley Stevens, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, with primary winners advancing to the November general election.
- Trump is set to defend his economic policies in Michigan, where new Canadian tariffs may sting
President Donald Trump will defend his economic policies in Michigan, including tariffs on Canadian imports, during a visit to a General Motors facility. The state's economy, reliant on Canada, faces challenges from new tariffs amid rising inflation and gas prices, while political contests for Senate and gubernatorial primaries intensify.
- Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors
Republican businessman Perry Johnson has self-funded nearly $30 million for his Michigan governor campaign, while Democrat Jocelyn Benson raised $5 million, including union donations, and holds a $6.4 million war chest. John James's GOP campaign and a pro-James super PAC received $3.2 million, partly from DeVos family donations. The primary between Johnson and James is set for August 4.
- ‘Kryptonite to November voters’: Trump’s Michigan visit puts the GOP’s dilemma on display
President Donald Trump visited suburban Detroit to promote his economic policies, including tariffs, amid a competitive primary race in Michigan. The state's economy, reliant on Canada, faces challenges from new tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, while GOP candidates John James and Perry Johnson vie for the gubernatorial nomination. Democratic Senate primary contenders Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed also compete for a chance to face Republican Mike Rogers.
- President Trump to speak at GM Proving Grounds in Milford on Monday afternoon
President Trump will visit a General Motors facility in Milford to promote his economic policies, including tariffs, amid Michigan's primary elections. The visit occurs as new tariffs on Canada and economic challenges like inflation and gas prices raise concerns in the state.
- Trump is set to defend his economic policies in Michigan, where new Canadian tariffs may sting
President Trump is defending his economic policies and tariffs in Michigan, where new Canadian tariffs may negatively impact the state's economy. His visit to a General Motors facility in Milford coincides with ongoing primary elections and political contests in the region.
- Trump is set to defend his economic policies in Michigan, where new Canadian tariffs may sting
President Donald Trump is defending his economic policies in Michigan amid new Canadian tariffs affecting the state's economy. His visit to a General Motors facility in Milford coincides with primary elections, including a GOP gubernatorial race between Trump-backed John James and Perry Johnson, and a Democratic Senate primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
- Who’s funding Michigan governor candidates? New filings reveal top donors
New filings reveal top donors to Michigan gubernatorial candidates. The candidates include Jocelyn Benson, John James, Perry Johnson, and Chris Swanson.