President Donald Trump's handpicked candidate to be Michigan's next governor is running into unexpected headwinds just days before the primary. The intra-party conflict emerges at a critical moment for Michigan Republicans seeking to challenge Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's statewide dominance. Hassan Nehme, a former Michigan GOP vice chair and current state legislative candidate, noted James has a major hurdle to clear: "There's a large amount of Republicans that do not like him." The Johnson campaign has escalated personal attacks against James throughout the race. Daire Rendon, Michigan's 1st District Republican Party chair covering the Upper Peninsula and northern regions, warned James that he's to blame for the last-minute scramble.