Johnson Sues James Over Campaign Materials

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 04/22/2026) The Perry Johnson campaign filed a lawsuit Wednesday against gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) and his campaign, alleging election law violations for not making it clear that James is a gubernatorial candidate, and not the governor.

A John James for Governor ad, which gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson alleges is misleading because it gives the impression that James is the incumbent.

The complaint, filed in the Ingham County Circuit Court by one-time Republican attorney general candidate Matt DePerno on behalf of Johnson’s campaign, claims James’ campaign materials falsely imply he’s the incumbent by referring to him as “John James Governor” in television advertisements, digital media, social media and other campaign materials.

“Michigan law is clear – candidates cannot mislead voters into believing they are the incumbent when they are not,” Johnson said. “His entire strategy is based on deceiving voters by avoiding debates and acting as if he is the governor or Republican nominee.”

A message seeking comment from James’ campaign has not been returned.

Michigan makes it a misdemeanor for candidates who use materials giving the false impression that they’re the incumbent.

The seat is held by Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who cannot run again.

The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to immediately halt the use of deceptive campaign branding that the Johnson campaign argues is intended to mislead voters.

In other news, an entity known as America Works Funds, has filed a complaint concerning Perry Johnson's 2026 petitions possibly having the same problems they had in 2022.

The non-profit organization concerned with the integrity of American elections filed a written objection and request for a thorough canvass of Johnson’s nominating petitions with the Bureau of Elections.

“John James is ready to take on any opponent on this ballot and win the right way,” said campaign manager Jackson Gross. “We sincerely hope that Perry Johnson’s campaign did not again engage in petition fraud. That said, the repeated involvement of the same consultants in questionable ballot operations does raise red flags."

In 2022, Johnson's campaign submitted roughly 23,000 signatures to qualify for the Republican primary ballot. The Bureau of Elections had to throw out 9,393 of them, including 6,983 ruled outright fraudulent. Johnson was removed from the ballot entirely.

The James campaign noted that even though Perry Johnson brands himself the “Quality Guru,” his campaign's quality check on nearly 23,000 petition signatures was a text message to a man who was later convicted of election fraud (People v. Wilmoth, Case No. 24-1595-FH, p. 39).

In January, James announced his Freedom from Corruption Agenda to right the ship in Lansing after nearly a decade of failed Democrat policies ripe with fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption. “Lansing is a mess - an endless cycle and revolving door of corruption and dishonesty,” said James. “Authentic freedom for the citizens of Michigan can only be achieved by restoring trust in our leaders.”

In addition to Johnson and James, former Attorney General Mike Cox, former House Speaker Tom Leonard, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and pastor Ralph Rebandt also seek the Republican nomination.