Two Convicted in Michigan Gubernatorial Signature Scandal

Forgery and criminal enterprise charges upheld against petition circulators who derailed 2022 GOP primary candidates.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A jury has convicted two individuals, Shawn Wilmoth and Willie Reed, of forgery, running a criminal enterprise, and other charges related to a signature fraud scheme that prevented several Republican candidates from appearing on the 2022 Michigan gubernatorial primary ballot. The scandal denied voters a choice in that election, according to the state's Attorney General.

Why it matters

The signature fraud scheme undermined the democratic process by denying Michigan voters a full slate of candidates to choose from in the 2022 gubernatorial primary. It raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral system and the need for stronger safeguards against petition signature manipulation.

The details

Wilmoth and Reed were found guilty of forging signatures on petitions for five Republican gubernatorial candidates, including former Detroit police chief James Craig and businessman Perry Johnson. As a result, those candidates did not have enough valid signatures to qualify for the 2022 GOP primary ballot. A third individual, Jamie Wilmoth, was found not guilty. The fraud scheme involved petition circulators simply passing around petitions and having people sign, rather than collecting legitimate signatures from voters.

  • The fraudulent petition signatures were submitted in 2022 for the Michigan gubernatorial primary election.
  • Wilmoth and Reed were convicted by a jury on February 9, 2026.
  • Sentencing for Wilmoth and Reed is scheduled for March 18, 2026.

The players

Shawn Wilmoth

One of two individuals convicted of forgery, running a criminal enterprise, and other charges related to the signature fraud scheme that derailed several 2022 Michigan gubernatorial candidates.

Willie Reed

One of two individuals convicted of forgery, running a criminal enterprise, and other charges related to the signature fraud scheme that derailed several 2022 Michigan gubernatorial candidates.

Jamie Wilmoth

An individual who was found not guilty in the signature fraud trial.

James Craig

Former Detroit police chief who was one of the Republican gubernatorial candidates impacted by the signature fraud scheme and unable to appear on the 2022 primary ballot.

Perry Johnson

Millionaire businessman who was one of the Republican gubernatorial candidates impacted by the signature fraud scheme and unable to appear on the 2022 primary ballot.

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What they’re saying

“The fraud 'denied millions of Michiganders a choice in the 2022 gubernatorial election'.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 18, 2026 whether to allow Shawn Wilmoth and Willie Reed to be released on bail pending their sentencing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of election integrity and the need for robust safeguards against petition signature fraud, which can undermine the democratic process and deprive voters of meaningful choices. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of such schemes and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.