Michigan GOP Gubernatorial James Craig Short on Signatures, May Not Qualify for Ballot

Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate James Craig did not submit enough valid signatures and should not be on the state’s primary ballot, Michigan’s Bureau of Elections contended in a report.

According to the group, Craig, in addition to multiple other candidates running for various office, allegedly turned in signatures that were forged by paid circulators.

“In total, staff’s review of Mr. Craig’s petition sheets identified 11,113 invalid signatures and 10,192 facially valid signatures, which dropped him below the 15,000 threshold and rendered him ineligible for the ballot,” the report said, adding the recommendation was to rule the “petition insufficient.”

In addition to Craig’s petition, the Bureau of Elections found errors with signatures provided by gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson. Johnson’s campaign has pledged to fight the report with the goal of remaining on the ballot.

“The staff of the Democrat secretary of staff does not have the right to unilaterally void every single signature obtained by the alleged forgers who victimized five campaigns,” tweeted political consultant John Yob, who is aligned with the Johnson campaign

We strongly believe they are refusing to count thousands of signatures from legitimate voters who signed the petitions and look forward to winning this fight before the Board, and if necessary, in the courts.

— John Yob (@strategic) May 24, 2022

“We strongly believe they are refusing to count thousands of signatures from legitimate voters who signed the petitions and look forward to winning this fight before the Board, and if necessary, in the courts,” he added.

However, the Bureau of Elections does not have the final say regarding the candidates who appear on the ballot. The role belongs to the Board of Canvassers, which will meet on Thursday.

The result of the findings, if upheld by the Board of Canvassers, would have a dramatic impact on the race to take on Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Based on previous polls, Craig was viewed as the frontrunner in the GOP primary. For example, in early April, the former police chief maintained a double-digit lead against the competition.