FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
Contact: Hannah Osantowske
press@johnjamesmi.com
JOHN JAMES LEADS PRIMARY BY 23 POINTS ON FILING DEADLINE FOR MICHIGAN GOVERNOR
Fueled by a grassroots army that delivered 30,000 signatures yesterday, Michigan Republicans are uniting behind the only candidate who can bring the America First agenda home and Make Michigan Win Again.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Today is filing day in Michigan. John James, a West Point graduate who flew Apache helicopters in combat over Iraq and built hundreds of jobs in Michigan, filed 30,000 signatures and a commanding lead in the race.
A new survey released by OnMessage Inc. shows him leading the Republican primary at 41%, a 23-point advantage over Perry Johnson at 18%. Mike Cox trails at 8%, Aric Nesbitt at 5%, and Tom Leonard at 2%.
Notably, this lead was built before the campaign’s first television ad aired. Last week, James launched “He Never Fails,” highlighting faith, resilience, and a vision for Michigan’s comeback.
“Michigan gave my family the American Dream, and I’m running to make that promise real again for every family in this state. I’ve served in combat, built jobs here at home, and I’ll bring that same mission-first leadership to Lansing. The best is yet to come,”
— John James
James is the only candidate in the race with a proven record of delivering results, cutting taxes for working families, supporting American industry, and securing a next-generation fighter mission at Selfridge.
“Michigan families deserve a tested leader with real results. John James flew Apache helicopters in combat, built jobs in Michigan, and delivered alongside President Trump: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and a fighter mission for Selfridge.”
— Hannah Osantowske, Campaign Spokesperson
POLL RESULTS: James: 41% | Johnson: 18% | Cox: 8% | Nesbitt: 5% | Leonard: 2% | Undecided: 27%
Survey conducted by OnMessage Inc. April 16–18, 2026 among 400 likely GOP primary voters. Margin of error: ±4.9%.
To learn more, visit JohnJamesMI.com.
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