Michigan Governor Candidates Debate Future of State’s K-12 Agenda

February 10, 2026

Four Michigan gubernatorial candidates participated in an education forum hosted by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, to present their platforms before the November election to replace term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Independent former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Republican former Attorney General Mike Cox answered member-submitted questions about education policy. Cox drew criticism from the largely Democratic audience for suggesting experienced teachers earn six figures and opposing universal free school lunch programs, while other candidates supported increased teacher starting salaries and free meals for all students.

Who is affected

Michigan teachers and paraprofessionals (earning as low as $14/hour)
Students across Michigan (in Alpena, Muskegon, Detroit, and the Upper Peninsula)
Four DPSCD (Detroit Public Schools Community District) students previously detained by ICE
Wealthy families whose children attend public schools
VA nurse Alex Pretti (killed by ICE)
Michigan Education Association members
Progressive activists and the Michigan Democratic Party

What action is being taken

The Michigan Education Association is hosting an education forum with gubernatorial candidates
Candidates are answering questions submitted by MEA members
Benson is advocating for starting teacher salaries of at least $60,000

Why it matters

This forum matters because Michigan voters will elect a new governor in November to replace term-limited Gretchen Whitmer, and education policy represents a critical issue affecting the state's largest teachers union and students statewide. The candidates' differing approaches to teacher compensation, school funding equity, universal free lunch programs, and immigration enforcement in schools reveal fundamental policy divisions that will shape Michigan's education system. The debate highlights tensions between ensuring adequate teacher pay, addressing regional funding disparities, and protecting vulnerable student populations from federal immigration actions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle