Businessman Perry Johnson Runs for Michigan Governor

Johnson touts business experience and plans to boost economy, support law enforcement, and improve education

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Perry Johnson, a businessman who previously ran for president in 2022, is now running for governor of Michigan as a Republican. Johnson emphasizes his background in the auto industry and experience improving efficiency at companies as key qualifications. He plans to eliminate the state income tax, support manufacturing, and work to improve public safety and education if elected.

Why it matters

The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election will be a key race, with Johnson positioning himself as a pro-business, conservative candidate focused on economic issues and public safety. His background and policy proposals provide insight into the priorities of some Republican voters in the state.

The details

Johnson says he grew up with little means but was able to find success in the auto industry, where he pioneered statistical process control and worked to improve efficiency at companies like Ford. He now runs businesses operating in 67 countries. As governor, Johnson plans to eliminate the state income tax, support manufacturing, and work to improve public safety in cities like Detroit, which he says has a high crime rate. On education, Johnson believes the state has room for improvement and wants to focus on teaching the basics.

  • Johnson previously ran for president in 2022 but was removed from the ballot due to a signature scandal.
  • The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election is on the horizon.

The players

Perry Johnson

A businessman who is running for governor of Michigan as a Republican. He previously ran for president in 2022 but was removed from the ballot.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a fellow that grew up in America with literally relatively nothing. My parents couldn't afford to send me to college, but because we live in this great country, anything is possible.”

— Perry Johnson (wxyz.com)

“I ended up introducing statistical process control. Into the supply base, Ford and all the other companies. And I spent my entire life, bringing efficiency to companies. That's all I have been doing.”

— Perry Johnson (wxyz.com)

“We need to shrink government and be more efficient. My plan is simple. Eliminate our state income tax. The government throws away a lot of money, and I want to stop that. We have to have manufacturing in the United States.”

— Perry Johnson (wxyz.com)

What’s next

Johnson's campaign will continue leading up to the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election, where he will face off against the Democratic nominee.

The takeaway

Perry Johnson's business background and conservative policy proposals, including eliminating the state income tax and supporting manufacturing, provide a window into the priorities of some Republican voters in Michigan as the state prepares for a pivotal gubernatorial election in 2026.