LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A newly filed campaign finance report is drawing attention to tactics inside Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
A political action committee (PAC) tied to John James called “Mission Michigan” reported paying $18,000 to America Rising LLC, a Washington, D.C.- based firm known for opposition research and campaign tracking. This expense was verified by Michigan News Source in campaign finance filings where it is listed as a payment for research consulting.
America Rising is a Republican-aligned opposition research organization founded in 2013 by former aides to Mitt Romney. It operates as both a super PAC and a for-profit firm that gathers and distributes political intelligence – such as tracking candidates, recording events, and compiling video clips – to support GOP campaigns and counter Democratic candidates. The group is known for using “trackers” to capture potentially damaging statements and for rapidly pushing that material to campaigns and media outlets as part of modern political strategy.
While such firms are commonly used in general election battles, the Mission Michigan expenditure stands out because the timing of the activity appears focused on other Republican candidates.
Trackers on the trail.
America Rising has reportedly been linked to individuals attending and recording events featuring GOP candidates, including Perry Johnson and Mike Cox. Photos circulating online and other independent research have tied some of these individuals back to the firm, a connection that appears to be reinforced by the PAC’s financial disclosure.
Have you heard about Campaign Trackers yet? They are the “undercover” reps of opposition research groups that follow candidates around. Sometimes engaging a candidate to trip them up, sometimes just recording everything. There was one at the @PJQualityGuru event I went to on… pic.twitter.com/7NMuVYMwLy
— Donnie Detroit (@DonnieDetroit19) April 16, 2026
Intra-party tension builds.
The situation is drawing scrutiny in part due to connections between James’ political circle and the firm. Tori Sachs, senior advisor for James’ campaign, previously worked with America Rising Squared, a nonprofit arm of America Rising PAC, according to the Detroit News, adding to questions about coordination and intent.
A strategic move or risky optics?
Whether seen as routine campaign strategy or a sign of escalating tension within the party, the optics are messy. Some voters may interpret it as diligent vetting, while others could view it as unnecessary infighting. That perception challenge is compounded by lingering criticism of James, particularly from voters who have questioned both his absence from Republican primary debates and his positions on certain policies, including concerns surrounding his voting record while in Congress.
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Michigan News Source reached out to the James campaign, Mission Michigan, and America Rising regarding the $18,000 expenditure and the apparent use of opposition tracking within the GOP primary. As of publication, none had responded to requests for comment, leaving key questions about the strategy, its intended targets and what the money was used for – unanswered.
