Cox Drops Out, James Heads to GOP Final | Lansing News

Lansing News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now! · Jul 18, 2026 · 1m

Former AG Mike Cox has dropped out of Michigan’s GOP governor’s race, citing Trump’s endorsement of John James as the tipping point — and internal polls showing James pulling ahead. Cox’s campaign had harshly criticized James, calling him a “nepo baby” over his family’s business ties, but James stood firm in debate. With Cox’s exit, James now faces off against businessman Perry Johnson in the August 4 primary — though Cox’s name remains on the ballot due to absentee voting. Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt also backed James after Trump’s announcement, creating a surprising unity among former…