LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s GOP gubernatorial primary is heating up.

According to an exclusive statewide poll conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications for MIRS from June 11-13, 2026, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox (27%) has surged into a statistical dead heat with Congressman John James (28%). Meanwhile, businessman Perry Johnson (23%) is also within the poll’s margin of error.

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Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (4%) is in fourth place, with 18% of respondents undecided. Steve Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell Research, said James held a 30-point lead over the field in an earlier poll before Johnson spent more than $15 million on media advertising.

“This is a brand-new race,” Mitchell said. “Cox seems to have real momentum.”

Mitchell also said the candidate with the highest name recognition is likely to hold the lead.

According to the poll, Cox leads in the Tri-County area with 39%. James leads among women with 38%, while Cox earned 32% support among voters ages 18 to 44.

On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are competing for their party’s nomination.

Michigan’s primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 4.