In a bid to re-enter the political arena, Perry Johnson, a businessman from Oakland County, has declared his intention to run for Michigan governor once more. The former GOP gubernatorial candidate, who previously attempted but failed to unseat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is stepping into a competitive Republican field.
Johnson’s announcement came alongside a video advertisement criticizing the current state government’s efficiency. “We need to shake up the system,” he emphasized in his message.
Previously, Johnson was part of a group of Republicans who challenged Whitmer in 2022. His campaign was halted due to insufficient valid signatures on his nominating petitions, despite his substantial investment of nearly $8 million. He also made an unsuccessful attempt to run for president ahead of the 2024 elections. More details on his previous campaigns can be found here.
Looking forward, Johnson has pledged to allocate $9 million of his personal funds over the upcoming two months as he pursues the governorship.
With Whitmer unable to seek re-election due to term limits, the race has attracted a diverse group of candidates. On the Republican side, the contenders include U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard.
The Democrats have their own hopefuls, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Meanwhile, Mike Duggan, Detroit’s long-serving Democratic mayor, is vying for the position as an independent.
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