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John James leads Michigan GOP gubernatorial primary despite fierce grassroots opposition from Perry Johnson

Rep. John James currently leads the Republican field for Michigan's governor's office, bolstered by a coveted endorsement from President Trump. Despite his front-runner status, James faces significant resistance from a grassroots wing of the state party rallying behind businessperson Perry Johnson. The primary has become a contentious, personality-driven battle characterized by vitriolic personal attacks, with Johnson accusing James of being a "DEI candidate" while James highlights his ability to deliver realistic policies. While James maintains a polling lead, he has faced criticism for missing early debates and for leaving a contested House seat to run for governor. Johnson, a self-funding outsider, has spent over $30 million of his own money to challenge the establishment favorite. Despite the internal friction, Michigan Republican leaders believe the party will unite behind the eventual winner. The administration announced that President Trump would join James on stage at a late July rally, where the president emphasized the importance of victory for the candidate.

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