U.S. Rep. John James (R-Mich.) is the leading Republican candidate in Michigan's gubernatorial primary race, according to new polling data from Glengariff Group, Inc. The survey of likely GOP primary voters shows James at 37 percent support, followed by businessman Perry Johnson at 19.8 percent.
The poll marks a significant jump for James, who was polling less than one percentage point behind Johnson in an Emerson College poll released earlier this month. At that time, nearly 40 percent of voters said they were undecided, compared to only 17.6 percent in the most recent Glengariff survey conducted April 21-24.
What the Right Is Saying
Johnson filed a lawsuit against James over his campaign logo, seeking a temporary restraining order against the congressman's use of the phrase "John James Governor" in promotional materials. Johnson argues the slogan could mislead voters into believing James is the incumbent candidate.
The complaint states: "The use of this phrasing is widespread, repeated, and central to the campaign's branding, indicating that it is intentional rather than inadvertent." Hannah Osantowske, a spokesperson for James's campaign, called the lawsuit a "desperate ploy" in a statement to The Detroit Free Press.
Johnson previously ran for Michigan governor in 2022 but was disqualified from the race due to invalid petition signatures. He also ran for president in 2024 but failed to meet requirements to qualify for GOP debates. Other Republican candidates include former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and Michigan State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, both of whom polled under 10 percent.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic officials have largely remained on the sidelines as Republicans navigate their primary contest. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson holds nearly a 60-point lead over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson among likely Democratic primary voters in the same Glengariff poll.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, has yet to endorse her successor in the race. Former Democratic Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running for governor as an independent candidate, potentially complicating the general election landscape for both parties.
What the Numbers Show
According to the Glengariff Group poll conducted April 21-24 among 500 likely Michigan GOP primary voters: John James leads with 37 percent support; Perry Johnson follows at 19.8 percent; Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt each polling under 10 percent; Undecided voters account for 17.6 percent, down from nearly 40 percent in an earlier Emerson College poll.
The margin of error is approximately 4.4 percentage points. The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4, ahead of the November general election to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the end of 2026.
The Bottom Line
James's polling surge represents a notable shift from earlier this year when he trailed Johnson in surveys. The legal dispute over campaign branding adds an unusual dimension to the race as both candidates seek to consolidate conservative support before the primary.
Voters will decide the Republican nominee on Aug. 4, with the winner likely facing Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson or another Democratic candidate in November. Duggan's independent candidacy could also affect the general election dynamics in a state that has trended more competitive in recent elections.