Johnson pulls ‘Trump did not endorse John James’ ad after Trump backs James

While Michigan lawmakers and residents rallied for a statewide moratorium on data centers at the state Capitol Tuesday, Republican candidate for governor Perry Johnson jumped on the campaign opportunity, parking his bus and setting up a table and several signs near the event.

Following the event, Johnson met with reporters to take questions and offer updates on his campaign following Monday’s endorsement by President Donald Trump of one of Johnson’s opponents, U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township).

Responding to a question from a Gongwer News Service reporter, Johnson said he would no longer run his “Truth” ad, in which he states “President Trump did not endorse John James.” That was a criticism of an ad from Mission Michigan promoting James as the gubernatorial candidate most loyal to President Donald Trump, noting that James had been endorsed by Trump four times.

With the President giving James the official nod Monday, Johnson said his campaign plans to double down.

“The beauty of this whole thing is that we live in this great state, we live in America, and endorsements, they don’t determine who votes,” Johnson said. “The voters determine the election.”

While Johnson, who’s aimed to challenge James’ front-runner position, remains in the race, Trump’s endorsement prompted the departure of one candidate, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), who then quickly endorsed James.

“I was sorry to see him drop out, but you know he probably saw no future, and you know, bottom line is we know that in order to win this race you’re going to have to garner support,” Johnson said of Nesbitt’s departure. 

Alongside Johnson and James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox remains on the Republican primary ballot. On the Democratic side of the race for governor, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and  Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are set to square off in the Aug. 4 primary.