GOP GOVERNOR’S RACE
As we wrote last month, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) has officially thrown his hat in the ring with a video launch to introduce himself to voters statewide. He raised over $1 million in the first 72 hours after his announcement, making it a successful (at least financial) launch. Also ready to pounce is former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who formed a fundraising committee, Mike Cox 2026, and put $1 million in it. We await his official announcement for governor any day. The big kahuna, with some of the most speculation (other than Democrat Pete Buttigieg) revolves around Rep. John James of Shelby Township, who represents Macomb County and part of Oakland. While he just won his congressional seat for the second time, and would have to give it up to run for governor or senate, prognosticators on both sides of the aisle are pretty certain James will definitely run for one of the higher posts. He has long been considered a top contender for governor, and now with the credentials of a congressman, will have more gravitas than running as a former helicopter pilot, as he twice did for Senate (2018 and 2020). While there is speculation that he could choose to run once again for Senate, a longtime Republican politico disagrees and believes James will mount a run for governor. “Governor has more power,” he pointed out. While James is keeping quiet on his future plans – or even if he’ll just run for re-election for his House seat – he posted on X after Sen. Gary Peter’s retirement announcement, “Brighter days are ahead for Michigan!” Former Republican candidate for governor Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Township has told cronies (and everyone within earshot) he’s running for governor, and Tudor Dixon, who was trounced by Whitmer in 2022, is expected to run as well. There’s sure to be several more who announce before the sawdust settles.
