GOP Gubernatorial Rivals Show Different Strategies at Northern Michigan Event
Perry Johnson attended while John James campaigned elsewhere during a key GOP dinner that excluded some gubernatorial candidates as “not viable.”
MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN — Republican gubernatorial candidates Perry Johnson and U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township demonstrated contrasting campaign approaches during the Straits Area Lincoln Day dinner Friday, with Johnson attending while James pursued separate political activities across the state.
The packed annual event highlighted ongoing divisions within Michigan’s Republican Party as the gubernatorial primary heats up. Three candidates received invitations to the dinner: Johnson, James, and former attorney general Mike Cox.
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township and former pastor Ralph Rebandt were excluded from the invitation list. Organizers told Michigan Advance on Friday that Nesbitt and Rebandt were not viewed as viable candidates.
James Pursues Alternative Campaign Schedule
As has become typical in the gubernatorial race, James declined to attend the Straits Area event. Organizers received word that James had another commitment supporting the state House majority’s efforts to retain control of the chamber this year.
Social media revealed James’s actual whereabouts during the Friday evening dinner. The congressman appeared as a special guest at state Rep. Timmy Beson’s “brat fest” fundraiser in Saginaw. Later that evening, James attended an event with members of the Police Officers Association of Michigan.
James continued his northern Michigan campaign swing Saturday, appearing at the Alpena Lincoln Day dinner event.
Johnson Capitalizes on Attendance
Johnson’s presence at the Mackinaw City event allowed him to connect directly with Republican Party members and donors from the Straits area. The dinner featured elected officials and prominent Michigan Republican Party figures in attendance.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers also attended the event, where he was photographed in conversation with Johnson and state Sen. Roger Victory of Georgetown Township.
Party Unity Concerns Surface
The contrasting approaches between the gubernatorial candidates reflect broader tensions within Michigan’s Republican Party. While Johnson chose to engage with the traditional party apparatus through established events like the Lincoln Day dinner, James opted for a strategy focused on legislative support and law enforcement endorsements.
The event organizers’ decision to exclude certain candidates from invitations also underscores the party establishment’s influence in determining which campaigns receive recognition and access to key donor networks.
Both Johnson and James continue positioning themselves as leading contenders for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, though their different tactical approaches suggest varying theories about the most effective path to victory in the primary contest.
