GOP Race Accusations
Michigan GOP Governor Race Sees Racial Tensions Rise Between Candidates Johnson and James
Michigan's Republican governor's race has turned ugly, with accusations of racism flying in both directions. Businessman Perry Johnson, from Bloomfield Hills, is running attack ads calling Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. John James a "DEI candidate" — a label critics say is a racial slur dressed up as a political attack. Tri-City Herald reported that Johnson also accused James of playing "the race card" in the campaign.
James is a Black second-term congressman who has the backing of President Donald Trump. Johnson's ads target James's campaign donations, framing them through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion — programs Trump has moved aggressively to eliminate. The clash has put race at the center of a Republican primary in a major swing state.
Johnson's "DEI Candidate" Ads Spark Racism Accusations
Perry Johnson's campaign has been running ads that brand John James a "DEI candidate." DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion — a set of programs that Trump has targeted since taking office. Critics say applying that label to a Black candidate is not a policy argument. It is a racial attack.
Jimmy Greene, a prominent Black political and business figure from Saginaw, called the Johnson ads "overtly racist," according to Fresno Bee. Greene is a well-known voice in Michigan's Black community. His condemnation added significant weight to the backlash against Johnson's campaign strategy.
Johnson Fires Back, Accuses James of Playing "Race Card"
Johnson did not back down. Instead, he accused James of being the one who introduced race into the race. Johnson said James was "playing the race card" by pushing back on the DEI attacks, according to The Olympian. Johnson framed his ads as a legitimate critique of James's donors, not as a racial attack.
The argument puts James in a difficult spot. Responding to the DEI label risks being characterized as complaining about race. Staying silent lets the attacks stand. That dynamic is exactly what critics say makes the tactic so effective — and so cynical.
Rakolta Family Donations Fuel the Campaign Attack
At the core of Johnson's attack is money. Johnson's campaign called for John James to return all donations received from members of the Rakolta family, who lead Walbridge, a major Michigan-based construction company. Johnson's team tied those donations to his DEI messaging, suggesting the contributions reflected values out of step with Republican voters, according to Mahoning Matters.
The Rakolta family is well-connected in Michigan business and political circles. By making their donations a campaign issue, Johnson sought to paint James as the candidate of a donor class that supports DEI programs. James's camp has not confirmed whether any donations will be returned.
Trump Backs James as Michigan Primary Heats Up
John James carries a powerful advantage: a formal endorsement from President Donald Trump. Trump's backing typically carries enormous weight in a Republican primary. That may be why Johnson's campaign has turned to aggressive attacks — it needs to cut into James's support among MAGA voters who see Trump's endorsement as a seal of approval, according to The News Tribune.
The race is shaping up as a test of how far anti-DEI messaging can go inside a Republican primary — especially when aimed at a Black candidate who has Trump's blessing. The outcome could signal how Michigan Republicans balance loyalty to Trump with the optics of a racially charged campaign.
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