Perry Johnson is a metro-Detroit businessman making another run at statewide office in the 2026 Republican primary for governor.

We’re expanding this profile as the campaign develops — positions, endorsements, and funding will be added as they can be verified.

The race

Full race guide
Seat Governor
Currently held by Gretchen Whitmer — not running again
Term 4 years · term limits: 2 terms (8 years)
The story Open seat — Whitmer is term-limited.

Also in the Republican primary

  • John James U.S. representative; endorsed by President Trump.

Possible November opponents

Primary Aug 4, 2026
General Nov 3, 2026

Candidate profiles are non-endorsements: every candidate in a covered race gets one, and we publish only what we can verify — how we cover races.