Michigan Republican Mike Cox Withdraws from Gubernatorial Race
Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has announced his withdrawal from the Republican race for governor, leaving only two contenders seeking the party’s nomination.
After dropping out of the race, Cox threw his support behind U.S. Representative John James and businessman Perry Johnson, the remaining candidates in the primary.
In a written statement, Cox cited President Donald Trump’s endorsement of John James as a pivotal moment that shifted the dynamics of the race, stating, “Several internal polls since June 22nd taught me that lesson.”
While Cox expressed his commitment to supporting James, Johnson urged voters to reject James and unite behind his candidacy, claiming that 70% of voters were already opposing John James, although he did not provide a source for this assertion.
The Michigan Democratic Party welcomed Cox’s departure, highlighting his past criticisms of John James as a candidate who is only out for himself and unlikely to win a general election.
Despite already appearing on the August primary ballot, Cox and fellow Republican Aric Nesbitt decided to end their campaigns, with Cox supporters who have cast their ballots having the option to request spoiling their ballots to revise their primary choice.
On the Democratic side of the gubernatorial race, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are competing for the party’s nomination in the upcoming August primary.
The November election will determine the successor to outgoing Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited and ineligible to run for re-election.
Sources: Michigan Public News, Michigan Public News, Michigan Public News
