LANSING — Michigan Republican businessman Perry Johnson announced Monday, Jan. 26 that he will make a second bid for the governor’s office.
“Michigan families and small businesses deserve a government that works as hard as they do,” Johnson said in a news release.
“We can deliver better services at lower cost by running state government with the same efficiency, accountability, and a results-driven mindset we used to help save the auto industry and businesses across the country.”
Johnson, 78, a Bloomfield Hills millionaire who advises corporate clients on how to improve quality in their processes, has described himself as a “quality guru” and has never held elected office. He joins a GOP field that includes former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox; U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township; former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard of DeWitt; and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township.
In 2022, Johnson spent more than $7 million of his own money seeking the GOP nomination for Michigan governor, but was one of five candidates disqualified from the August primary ballot because they submitted too many fake signatures amid alleged fraud by companies paid to circulate the petitions. Election officials did not accuse the candidates of intentional wrongdoing.
He also spent millions on a short-lived campaign for U.S. president in 2023.
Republicans and Democrats will choose their nominees for governor in a statewide primary election Aug. 4.
Johnson said in the news release his campaign will focus on efficiency in government, fiscal discipline, and a path to eliminating Michigan’s 4.25% personal income tax.
While some candidates in their campaign launch videos have highlighted specific issues they want to tackle, in a 30-second clip, Johnson largely framed himself as the candidate with the best background to turn around Michigan, without detailing his plan.
“Michigan’s government is pathetic,” the narration in the ad states. “As governor, Perry Johnson can save our state, our jobs, our families. Stand by, more to come.”
Seeking the Democratic nomination for governor are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat, is running for governor as an independent.
This story was updated to add new information.
Staff writer Clara Hendrickson contributed to this report. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan ‘quality guru’ Perry Johnson to make 2nd GOP bid for governor
Reporting by Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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