South Cook News

Dolton native Perry Johnson is campaigning in a long-shot run for the presidency.

Johnson made the announcement to a group of supporters, following his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, D.C. in March.

"I am pro-life, I am pro-Second Amendment, I am pro-freedom, and let's face it, I am anti-China," Johnson said at the time.

Johnson, 75, graduated from Thornridge High School and then the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign with a degree in mathematics. He now lives in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. where he serves as president of Perry Johnson International Holdings. Johnson is a quality expert and founder of numerous successful companies, including the largest ISO 9001 certification body in the US. Earlier this year he authored a new book titled "Two Cents to Save America," which presents a comprehensive plan to rescue the collapsing American economy and its dependent systems. According to a press release from Perry Johnson Publishing House, Inc., the book combines personal stories, facts, and figures to emphasize the importance of Johnson's proposed plan. In it, Johnson offers straightforward solutions to hot topics such as unemployment, inflation, student loan debt, and healthcare costs.

Although he did not directly reference his presidential campaign during his CPAC speech, Johnson had already made an effort to gain attention by running an advertisement during the Super Bowl, highlighting his plan to reduce federal spending annually by 2%, AP News reported. Known for his success in founding Perry Johnson Registrars Inc., a Michigan-based company that certifies businesses' compliance with industrial standards. In 2022, Johnson attempted a run for Michigan governor but was disqualified. He claimed his rights were violated during the disqualification process for the gubernatorial race and filed a subsequent lawsuit.

During CPAC Johnson secured third place in the straw poll for potential presidential candidates, garnering nearly 5% of the votes, according to ABC News. Despite lacking political experience, Johnson has leaned on his extensive background in Michigan's business sector. Johnson is also an accomplished bridge player, boasting five national championship victories according to the Perry Johnson Foundation.