Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Benson, James Win Michigan Gov Nominations; James Calls Tax Repeal

8/5/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor on Tuesday.
Rep. John James (R-Mich.) won the Republican nomination, defeating businessman Perry Johnson.
Perry Johnson spent more than $31 million on campaign ads, while John James’s campaign spent $2.
John James proposes to repeal Michigan’s state income tax and create an Education Freedom Tax Credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer.

History

Historical Context

Engler’s 1994 landslide re-election—winning 61% of the vote over Democrat Howard Wolpe—gave Republicans control of Michigan’s government and enabled the March 15, 1994 passage of Proposal A, which voters approved by 69% and shifted school funding from property to sales taxes while raising the sales tax to 6%. That tax overhaul frames today’s Benson-James primary debate over income-tax repeal.

1 of 2

Story summary

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor on Tuesday.
Rep. John James (R-Mich.) won the Republican nomination, defeating businessman Perry Johnson.
Perry Johnson spent more than $31 million on campaign ads, while John James’s campaign spent $2.
John James proposes to repeal Michigan’s state income tax and create an Education Freedom Tax Credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer.

1 / 2