Iron Pig Smokehouse Cordon Sparks Renewed Legal Clash With Michigan Attorney General

 

GAYLORD, Mich. — Iron Pig Smokehouse’s downtown location was cordoned off with police tape late Wednesday night, reigniting a long-running legal dispute between the Gaylord restaurant and the State of Michigan that dates back to the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure occurred at approximately 10:56 p.m. on February 5, according to a public statement released by Iron Pig. As of Thursday morning, no detailed public explanation had been issued identifying the specific enforcement authority responsible for the action.

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No Prior Notice, Restaurant Says

Iron Pig stated it received no prior notice before the location was restricted, despite what it claims are statutory notice requirements for certain regulatory actions.

The restaurant said the action may involve the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, though it emphasized that this had not yet been formally confirmed. Local law enforcement assisted in securing the site, but Iron Pig stressed it has no dispute with local authorities.

“Our local authorities are always great to work with,” the business said in a statement.

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Action Follows Supreme Court Filing

The enforcement action came three days after Iron Pig filed an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, seeking to challenge additional provisions of the Michigan Public Health Code.

In its filing, Iron Pig argues that statutes including MCL 333.2253 and MCL 333.2453 are unconstitutional and materially similar to emergency powers previously invalidated by Michigan courts.

The restaurant’s owners contend that the state is continuing to enforce provisions that lack constitutional authority, an argument that has been central to their legal strategy since 2020.

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Five-Year Anniversary of 2020 Closure Order

The timing of the action also coincided with the five-year anniversary of a 2020 Temporary Restraining Order that forced Iron Pig to close during the pandemic.

At the time, the restaurant was warned it could face jail or fines for noncompliance with state emergency orders. Subsequent court rulings later determined that the governor’s emergency authority had been unlawfully extended, invalidating key enforcement mechanisms used during that period.

Iron Pig has repeatedly argued that while the emergency orders were later struck down, businesses subjected to enforcement were never made whole.

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State Denies Targeting

State officials have consistently denied claims that Iron Pig has been singled out for retaliation, maintaining that regulatory actions are routine and based on compliance issues, not political or legal disputes.

Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has defended Michigan’s regulatory framework and has not publicly commented on the latest action as of publication.

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Business Remains Operational Elsewhere

Iron Pig confirmed that its new location remains open and said it plans to continue operating while it gathers more information about the enforcement action.

“We always have a plan,” the business said.

 A timeline of Conflict

What follows is a chronological timeline of the events that have defined the standoff between Iron Pig and state authorities under Attorney General Dana Nessel.

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2020 — Emergency Orders and Forced Closure

• Early 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan issues a series of emergency executive and health orders affecting restaurants and bars statewide.

• Iron Pig refuses full compliance, disputing the legal authority underpinning the orders.

• State enforcement escalates rapidly.

• Iron Pig is threatened with jail if it does not close immediately.

• A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is issued in Lansing, compelling closure.

• Iron Pig publicly argues the orders exceed constitutional authority and violate due process.

This moment becomes the foundation of Iron Pig’s long-running claim: that it was targeted not for safety violations, but for defiance.

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2021–2022 — Courts Undercut Emergency Authority

• Michigan courts rule that the Governor’s emergency powers were unlawfully extended, invalidating key mechanisms used to justify pandemic enforcement.

• Despite these rulings, Iron Pig contends that the damage from earlier enforcement was never remedied, and accountability was never imposed on state actors.

• The restaurant continues operating under heightened scrutiny.

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2023–2024 — Regulatory Pressure Continues

• Iron Pig reports ongoing inspections, compliance actions, and licensing pressure, particularly involving alcohol and health code statutes.

• The business maintains that enforcement is selective and disproportionate, compared to similarly situated establishments.

• State officials deny any targeting and maintain actions are routine regulatory enforcement.

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Monday, February 2, 2026 — Supreme Court Appeal Filed

• Iron Pig files leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court.

• The appeal challenges additional Michigan Health Code statutes, arguing they are constitutionally indistinguishable from provisions already struck down by courts:

  • MCL 333.2253

  • MCL 333.2453

• The filing directly questions whether Michigan agencies are continuing to enforce laws that lack constitutional grounding.

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Wednesday Night, February 5, 2026 — Iron Pig Cordon Off

• At approximately 10:56 p.m., Iron Pig’s downtown Gaylord location is cordoned off with police tape.

• No public explanation is immediately provided.

• Iron Pig states it received no prior notice, despite statutory requirements for notice in certain regulatory actions.

• The business suggests the action may involve the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, though confirmation is not provided at the time.

Notably, the closure occurs:

• Days after Iron Pig’s Supreme Court filing

• On the five-year anniversary of the 2020 TRO and closure threat

Iron Pig publicly characterizes the timing as “impossible to ignore.”

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Official Response and Public Messaging

• Iron Pig states it is cooperating with local authorities, emphasizing that the dispute is with state-level enforcement, not local law enforcement.

• The business announces that its new location remains open, signaling continuity despite pressure.

• The owners reiterate: “We always have a plan.”

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The Central Dispute

At the heart of the conflict are unresolved questions:

• Can Michigan continue enforcing health and regulatory statutes rooted in powers courts have already rejected?

• Does selective enforcement constitute retaliation when a business openly challenges state authority?

• Why do enforcement actions appear to coincide with major legal filings?

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Broader Legal Implications

Legal observers say the dispute raises broader questions about:

• The scope of state administrative power

• Due process protections for businesses

• Whether regulatory enforcement can be used as leverage against litigants challenging state authority

If the Michigan Supreme Court agrees to hear Iron Pig’s appeal, the case could further clarify the limits of public health enforcement and regulatory power in Michigan.

New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect in Additional States Starting February 1, Including Michigan

Washington, D.C. — Expanded work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are taking effect in additional states beginning February 1, including Michigan, potentially impacting millions of low-income Americans who rely on the program to help pay for groceries.

SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, currently serves about 42 million people, or roughly one in eight Americans, according to federal data. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is implementing new rules as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

Under changes enacted through a tax and spending law signed in July, many adult SNAP recipients must now work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible. Individuals who fail to meet the requirement are limited to three months of benefits within a three-year period.

Expanded Eligibility Rules

Previously, work requirements applied only to able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents. The new law expands those requirements to include adults ages 55 to 64 and parents whose children are age 14 or older.

The changes also eliminate longstanding exemptions for homeless individuals, military veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care. In addition, the law restricts states’ ability to waive work requirements in regions with limited employment opportunities.

Michigan-Specific Requirements

In Michigan, the expanded SNAP work requirements take effect February 1, according to state officials.

Michigan recipients who fall under the new rules will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of employment, approved volunteer service, or participation in a qualifying job training or employment program. Individuals who do not meet or properly report these requirements may lose benefits after three months within a 36-month period.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has advised affected recipients to expect written notices, phone calls, or electronic communications outlining their obligations and deadlines. Recipients must submit verification through the state’s MI Bridges system or directly through their local MDHHS office.

State officials have warned that failure to submit paperwork, even when a recipient is working, could result in the suspension or termination of benefits.

State-by-State Rollout

The timing of the new rules depends on when each state implemented the policy.

• Texas began enforcing the requirements in October, meaning some recipients may have already exhausted their three months of benefits as of January 1.

• States including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, and Hawaii began the clock in November, with benefit losses possible in early February.

• Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois begin enforcement on February 1, with Ohio requiring documentation of work activity starting in March.

• California currently maintains a statewide waiver due to unemployment conditions, which is scheduled to remain in effect until January 2027.

Some regional waivers remain in place nationwide, though many have already expired or are set to end soon.

What Recipients Should Know

SNAP recipients affected by the new requirements must submit additional documentation to verify work or training participation. Advocacy groups urge recipients to respond promptly to notices from their state SNAP offices and to maintain records of hours worked or activities completed.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in loss of benefits, even for recipients who are otherwise eligible.

Impact and Scope

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly SNAP caseload by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade.

While most SNAP recipients live in households below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 annually for a family of four — federal data show that nearly two in five SNAP households include at least one working individual. More than 60 percent of recipients live in families with children, and over one-third live in households that include seniors or people with disabilities.

The average SNAP benefit is approximately $190 per person per month.

Looking Ahead

As enforcement expands nationwide and begins in Michigan, advocacy organizations and state agencies are closely monitoring the impact on food access, employment participation, and administrative workload. Additional changes may follow as remaining state waivers expire and compliance data are reviewed.

Michigan Secretary of State Admits Another Noncitizen Vote — But Stonewalls Accountability Questions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has now acknowledged another confirmed case of noncitizen voting in Michigan — while declining to answer basic questions about how often it has happened, how many illegal ballots were cast, or what concrete steps her office is taking to stop it from happening again.

The admission came Thursday after the Department of State reviewed records flagged by Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, whose office uncovered evidence that noncitizens had appeared in jury pools and, in several cases, were registered to vote and had cast ballots.

Speaking at a livestreamed press conference, Benson confirmed that one of the individuals identified in Forlini’s data review was a noncitizen who voted in a Michigan election. She also acknowledged that her office canceled that individual’s voter registration — but refused to disclose how many times the person voted, whether additional illegal ballots were cast, or whether similar cases were previously missed by state reviews.

That refusal has become a pattern.

A Pattern of Admissions — and Evasions

Forlini’s office reported that between September 2025 and January 2026, 239 individuals selected for jury duty in Macomb County self-identified as noncitizens. Cross-checking those names against voter rolls revealed 14 individuals who had registered to vote at some point, including 10 still listed as qualified voters. At least three showed voting histories, and one had voted multiple times before removal.

Under Michigan law, noncitizens are barred from both jury service and voting.

Yet Michigan’s automatic voter registration system — tied to driver’s license transactions — relies on self-attestation of citizenship, not verification against a federal database. The state does not systematically confirm citizenship status before adding individuals to the voter rolls.

Benson has repeatedly insisted that “only U.S. citizens can register to vote or cast ballots in our elections.” The evidence emerging from Macomb County directly contradicts that claim.

Numbers Don’t Add Up

The scope of the issue becomes more troubling when viewed statewide.

When Benson took office, Michigan had approximately 7.5 million registered voters — about 300,000 fewer than the voting-age population. By 2022, the state reported roughly 8.2 million registered voters for a voting-age population of about 7.9 million, following an expansion of automatic registration programs.

Despite those figures, Benson has refused to provide a clear accounting of how many noncitizens have been identified and removed from the voter rolls during her tenure. When pressed by reporters Thursday, she could not — or would not — answer.

Instead, she alleged without documentation that her office has removed more than 1.1 million “out-of-date” registrations, a figure unrelated to the narrower and more serious question of illegal voting by noncitizens.

Prior Testimony, Now Undercut

This is not the first time Benson’s public statements have been undermined by later disclosures.

In September 2024, Benson testified before Congress that there was “no evidence that noncitizens are voting.” One month later, she acknowledged that a Chinese national — a University of Michigan student — illegally cast a ballot in the 2024 election that could not be retrieved once counted.

By April 2025, Benson admitted at least 15 additional illegal ballots were likely cast in that same election. Republican lawmakers later suggested the true number could be significantly higher.

Now, with another confirmed noncitizen vote emerging from Forlini’s findings, Benson again downplayed the significance — while warning that scrutiny itself could harm “faith in elections.”

Shifting Blame, Avoiding Fixes

Rather than outlining corrective measures, Benson has focused her criticism on those who uncovered the problem.

She accused Forlini and federal investigators of attempting to “intimidate” state officials and suggested that efforts to tighten election safeguards are politically motivated. At the same time, she continues to campaign against proposals requiring proof of citizenship or photo identification to vote — measures supporters argue would directly address the vulnerabilities now on display.

Despite promising in 2025 to work with lawmakers on legislation to prevent illegal voting, no such bill has materialized from her office. Instead, Benson proposed a slate of election rule changes critics say would make challenges to illegal votes more difficult.

She also declined to specify what steps, if any, her office is taking to prevent noncitizen voting going forward.

The Core Question Remains

At issue is not rhetoric, but responsibility.

Michigan law is clear. Voting by noncitizens is illegal. Each confirmed case represents not just a clerical error, but a breakdown in election administration. Yet Benson — now overseeing the state’s election system while campaigning for higher office — has offered assurances instead of answers, narratives instead of numbers.

Forlini’s findings suggest the problem may not be isolated. Benson’s unwillingness to fully account for it has only intensified scrutiny.

As one confirmed noncitizen vote becomes two, then sixteen, then potentially dozens, the question facing Michigan voters is simple: how many more went undetected — and why does the state’s chief election official still refuse to say?

The British Invasion: How Josh & Jase Turned Michigan Into a Viral Winter Playground

 

Michigan didn’t just get visitors this winter — it got headliners.

British creators Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jase Riley dropped into the Mitten State and promptly turned snowbanks, roadside signs, diners, and frozen waterfronts into a global stage. What followed was two weeks of joyful chaos, viral stunts, and relentless positivity that put Michigan squarely in front of millions of eyeballs worldwide.

From Border Signs to Snowstorms: The Stunts That Hooked the Internet

The duo’s Michigan run wasn’t scripted tourism — it was spontaneous, cold-weather comedy with heart. Among the moments that blew up online:

• Border-hopping bravado at Michigan welcome signs, treating snow-covered pull-offs like must-see attractions
• Winter daredevil antics — plunging hands into snowdrifts, braving subzero winds, and laughing through lake-effect squalls
• Town-by-town hype — shouting out small cities and locals with the same energy usually reserved for major landmarks
• Iconic selfies in places most influencers overlook, including frozen harbors, highway rest stops, and neighborhood main streets

Every clip carried the same message: Michigan isn’t just tough — it’s fun.

“Midwest Nice” Goes Global

What really landed wasn’t just the stunts. It was the people.

Josh and Jase leaned hard into what they dubbed “Midwest Nice” — the friendliness of strangers, the generosity of small businesses, and the unfiltered pride locals have for their towns. They filmed chats with residents, joked with shop owners, and turned everyday kindness into shareable moments that traveled far beyond state lines.

For international audiences, Michigan stopped being a flyover mystery and became a place that felt welcoming, weird, and worth the trip.

Real Economic Ripples, Not Just Likes

The impact wasn’t theoretical. It was measurable.

• Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars featured in videos reported spikes in foot traffic
• Small towns saw sudden online searches and social engagement jump after being tagged
• Local tourism pages experienced surges in follows and inquiries
• Winter travel — often a tough sell — suddenly looked adventurous instead of intimidating

This is the modern tourism multiplier effect: one viral visit can outperform a traditional ad campaign at a fraction of the cost.

Rewriting Michigan’s Global Image

For years, Michigan has fought dated stereotypes — gray skies, factory towns, “nothing to do.” Josh and Jase smashed that narrative by doing something radical: having a blast on camera in the cold.

They showed:

• Winter as an experience, not an obstacle
• Small towns as destinations, not detours
• Locals as the state’s greatest asset

That kind of storytelling sticks — especially with younger travelers planning trips around authenticity instead of brochures.

A Blueprint for Future Tourism

What happened wasn’t luck. It was alignment.

Michigan’s landscapes, culture, and people paired perfectly with creators who thrive on curiosity and connection. The result? A tourism boost that didn’t feel like marketing — it felt like friends showing the world their favorite place.

If state and local tourism leaders are paying attention, the lesson is clear:
Lean into creators who love the moment, the mess, and the people — not just the postcard.

The Verdict

Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jase Riley didn’t just visit Michigan.
They sold it — laughing, freezing, pointing at signs, and inviting the world along for the ride.

And if their feeds are any indication, the British Invasion may be over — but Michigan’s moment is just getting started. ❄️🇺🇸🇬🇧

Royal Oak Schools Issues Formal Warning: Federal Immigration Agents Will Not Be Allowed Free Access to Campuses

 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Royal Oak Schools has formally established procedures that function as a direct barrier to federal immigration enforcement activitDry on school grounds, making clear that unapproved agents will be treated as unauthorized intruders — not routine visitors.

In a notice delivered to families, the district laid out a strict protocol governing any appearance by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection agents. Under these rules, agents are to be stopped at the perimeter. Entry into school buildings is prohibited unless identity, credentials, and legal authority are fully verified and explicitly approved by district leadership.

Absent that approval, access is denied.

The policy further directs that any verified federal agents are not to conduct business on school campuses at all. Instead, they are to be diverted to the district’s Board Office, where any interaction must occur under the supervision of the superintendent, district legal counsel, and local law enforcement. Classrooms, hallways, and administrative offices are off-limits.

The district states unequivocally that these procedures apply to all federal agents, without exception.

Failure to comply will not be negotiated.

If agents refuse to follow district protocol, Royal Oak Schools authorizes immediate lockdown procedures — the same response reserved for unauthorized or noncompliant individuals who pose a potential threat to student safety.

The policy also treats the timing of enforcement activity as a security issue. Should ICE or CBP agents appear during student drop-off or pick-up, schools are instructed to initiate an immediate lockdown and issue emergency alerts to parents and guardians. The presence of federal agents during these periods is to be handled as an active incident.

District officials confirmed that staff have been trained in emergency response procedures and “Know Your Rights” guidance, reinforcing that compliance with federal authority does not supersede the district’s duty to protect students.

The district did not cite a triggering incident, nor did it specify whether the policy reflects a change from past practice. The absence of explanation does not soften the message. The directive is preventative, explicit, and unmistakable.

Royal Oak Schools has drawn a bright line: school campuses are not enforcement zones. Children are not to be exposed to law enforcement actions unrelated to their education. Any federal presence that disregards these boundaries will be met with lockdowns, legal oversight, and immediate parent notification.

In doing so, the district asserts its authority over school property and signals that student safety — not federal expediency — governs access to its buildings.

Former Michigan Democratic Party Treasurer Charged in Alleged Embezzlement Case Involving Elderly Victim

Traci Kornak

  

Dana Nessel 

A longtime political figure in Michigan is now facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors say she exploited a vulnerable senior for personal financial gain.

Traci Kornak, the former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party and a onetime ally of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has been charged with multiple felony counts tied to the alleged theft of tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman in Kent County.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that his office has authorized three criminal charges against Kornak following a multi-year investigation. According to prosecutors, the alleged victim is Rose Burd, an elderly woman described as a vulnerable adult under Michigan law.

The charges include one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult involving $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a second count of embezzlement involving an amount between $1,000 and $20,000, and a third count of false pretenses. If convicted on all counts, Kornak could face a combined maximum prison sentence of up to 25 years, along with significant financial penalties.

Court records indicate the alleged conduct occurred over an extended period, with prosecutors arguing that Kornak abused a position of trust to gain access to Burd’s finances. Authorities have not yet announced an arraignment date, and Kornak has not entered a plea as of this writing.

The case has drawn heightened political attention because of Kornak’s past role within the state Democratic Party and her proximity to top Democratic leadership. Critics have accused Attorney General Dana Nessel of failing to act sooner, alleging that the matter was quietly sidelined for years despite earlier warnings.

State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, has held multiple hearings related to the case and praised Becker’s office for ultimately bringing charges forward. DeBoyer has said the prolonged timeline raises serious questions about political favoritism and accountability inside state government.

Much of the public scrutiny surrounding the case stems from years of reporting by journalist Charlie LeDuff, who has repeatedly alleged that top state officials were aware of the accusations long before criminal charges were filed. LeDuff has reported that Kornak continued to hold financial responsibilities within Democratic political circles even after concerns were raised.

According to those reports, Kornak was at one point considered for a judicial appointment, a move that intensified backlash once the allegations became more widely known.

The investigation was eventually taken over by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted a lengthy review before referring the case to the prosecutor. Becker’s decision to move forward has been framed by supporters as a belated but necessary step toward restoring public trust.

As the case now heads toward court, it is expected to fuel renewed debate over political accountability, oversight of party officials, and protections for elderly and vulnerable adults. For now, Kornak remains presumed innocent, with prosecutors saying the facts will ultimately be tested in a courtroom rather than the court of public opinion.

Perry Johnson Enters Michigan Governor’s Race, Pledges Self-Funded Campaign

 

Republican businessman Perry Johnson formally entered Michigan’s race for governor on Monday, launching a self-funded campaign and immediately positioning himself as an outsider willing to challenge both Democratic leadership and entrenched political interests in Lansing.

Johnson, a wealthy entrepreneur best known for his quality-control and consulting businesses, announced his candidacy with a message centered on economic growth, government accountability, and education reform, themes he emphasized during previous statewide campaigns.

“I’m running because Michigan is falling behind,” Johnson said in his announcement. “Families are paying more, businesses are leaving, and career politicians aren’t delivering results. I’m willing to put my own resources on the line to fix it.”

A Familiar Name Returns to Statewide Politics

Johnson is no stranger to Michigan voters. He previously ran in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, spending millions of his own money before being disqualified over petition issues — a controversy that continues to resonate within GOP circles.

This time, Johnson’s team says the campaign will be built with strict legal compliance and a fully self-funded structure, allowing him to avoid reliance on political action committees, party donors, or special-interest groups.

Campaign aides say Johnson plans to invest “whatever it takes” to communicate directly with voters statewide.

GOP Field Continues to Take Shape

Johnson’s entry further crowds an already developing Republican field, as multiple candidates position themselves to challenge Democratic control of the governor’s office. With term limits preventing Governor Gretchen Whitmer from running again, both parties see the 2026 race as a pivotal contest for the state’s economic and political direction.

Republican strategists say Johnson’s personal wealth, name recognition, and willingness to self-finance could make him a serious contender — particularly in a primary electorate frustrated with traditional politicians.

However, critics within the party argue that Johnson’s past campaign missteps and outsider status could prove liabilities in a competitive primary.

Campaign Message Focused on Economy and Education

Johnson has signaled that his platform will emphasize:

• Cutting regulations he says drive jobs out of Michigan

• Expanding school choice and restructuring education funding

• Opposing tax increases and what he calls “runaway state spending”

• Reining in executive power and restoring legislative oversight

He is expected to begin a statewide tour immediately, focusing on small businesses, manufacturing communities, and suburban voters.

High-Stakes Race Ahead

With Michigan emerging as a national battleground state, the governor’s race is expected to draw intense attention, heavy spending, and national political interest.

Johnson’s decision to self-fund could reshape the Republican primary, forcing other candidates to rely more heavily on donor networks and party infrastructure — and potentially accelerating the pace and intensity of the race.

As the field continues to solidify, Johnson’s entry underscores what many operatives already expect: Michigan’s 2026 governor’s race will be one of the most expensive and closely watched state contests in the country.