Perry Johnson, a businessman who briefly ran for president in 2023, announced his bid for Michigan governor, posting on X and releasing a video that labeled the state government "pathetic." He advocates eliminating the state income tax and running government with private-sector efficiency. Johnson previously failed to qualify for the 2022 GOP primary ballot and has drawn criticism from Democrats for his Trump-aligned positions and past campaign spending. His entry adds to a crowded Republican field competing for the open seat as Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited.
Perry Johnson Launches Michigan Gubernatorial Run, Calls State Government "Pathetic"
Perry Johnson, former Republican gubernatorial candidate for Michigan, speaks during the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.(Getty Images)
Businessman Perry Johnson formally launched a campaign for governor of Michigan on Monday, posting on X and releasing a campaign video that declared, "Michigan's government is pathetic." In the post he framed his candidacy around bringing private-sector efficiency and accountability to state government.
"I am running for Governor of Michigan. My business experience brought quality and efficiency to help save the auto industry. We can deliver better services at lower cost by running state government with efficiency, accountability, and a results-driven mindset," Johnson wrote on X.
Perry Johnson, former Republican gubernatorial candidate for Mich., speaks at the Republican Party Of Iowa's annual Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., on Friday, July 28, 2023.
Policy Focus
Johnson's campaign website says he supports eliminating Michigan's state income tax and emphasizes a managerial approach to running government—seeking to apply lessons from his business background to state operations.
Political Background
Johnson ran a brief campaign for president in 2023 before withdrawing and endorsing President Donald Trump. After that endorsement, Trump praised Johnson on Truth Social, calling him "a brilliant Businessman who has enjoyed great success." Previously, Johnson attempted to seek the Republican nomination for Michigan governor in 2022 but was among several candidates who were disqualified from the primary ballot, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer looks on before the game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.
Race Dynamics
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is completing her second term and is ineligible to run again, leaving an open contest. Johnson is entering a crowded Republican primary that already includes former state Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. John James, former State House Speaker Tom Leonard and State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
Reactions
The Democratic Governors Association offered sharp criticism. Sam Newton, communications director for the DGA, said in a statement:
"Perry Johnson is just the latest extreme, out-of-touch candidate to join Michigan’s chaotic Republican primary. From being all-in on Donald Trump’s harmful, cost-raising agenda and supporting an abortion ban to spending over $7 million on his last failed gubernatorial campaign, it’s clear Johnson will make Michigan Republicans’ already ugly and bruising primary even more chaotic and expensive."
Johnson's entry adds another high-profile — and controversial — name to a GOP field that will compete for a wide-open governor’s race. The campaign will likely revolve around issues such as taxes, government efficiency, abortion policy, and alignment with national Republican figures.
Reporting note: Some details, including Johnson’s 2022 disqualification from the primary ballot, are sourced to the Detroit Free Press. Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to coverage of the announcement.
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