MICHIGAN — Aric Nesbitt suspended his campaign for Michigan governor on June 22, 2026, and formally endorsed John James. Nesbitt, a Republican who serves as the Senate Minority Leader in Michigan, announced his campaign suspension on X late Monday afternoon.

Nesbitt stated, "When Trisha and I decided to enter this race nearly eighteen months ago, we knew the path to victory would be neither certain nor easy. But we were driven by a deep love for Michigan and an unshakable faith in its people and its future." He added, "We ran to deliver a 'Make It In Michigan' agenda for the farmers, families, autoworkers, seniors, and small business owners who have kept this state strong despite years of failed Democratic policies in Lansing." Nesbitt said, "Over the past 18 months, I've had the honor of visiting all 83 counties, meeting salt-of-the-earth Michiganders who still believe the American Dream is alive here." He characterized James as "a decorated combat veteran who flew helicopters in Iraq, a successful businessman who created jobs, and a fighter who has consistently stood with President Trump's agenda." Nesbitt said, "He is the best candidate to defeat the Whitmer-Benson agenda of higher taxes, higher prices, woke policies, and incompetent leadership." He concluded, "A divided primary only helps Democrats. It's time to unite. I'm asking every one of you who supported this campaign to stand with me behind John James, roll up your sleeves, and deliver a Republican victory in November."

Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson remain in the Michigan gubernatorial race. The Michigan primary election is scheduled for August 2026. Cox stated, "I'm proud to have voted for President Trump in each of his last three elections, to have donated thousands of dollars to support his campaigns, and to have been hired to represent him as his election integrity lawyer in Michigan in 2024." Cox added, "I look forward to being President Trump's favorite Governor when I win."

Johnson commented on the endorsement, saying, "President Trump received bad advice yet again." He said, "John James is a two-time statewide loser, and Michigan has already seen this movie before: Trump-backed statewide candidates like John James, Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, and Kristina Karamo all came up short when it mattered most." Johnson stated, "Across the country, Republican voters are proving that an endorsement alone does not decide a governor's race." Johnson is self-funding his campaign.