Where Michigan governor candidates stand on schools, literacy

July 28, 2026

Michigan's four gubernatorial candidates—Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, and Republicans Tudor Dixon and Tom James—are proposing different approaches to address the state's struggling education system, including poor literacy rates that rank 44th nationally and low college readiness scores. Republicans emphasize parental choice, school vouchers, and reducing regulatory barriers for teachers, while Democrats focus on strengthening public schools, increasing teacher pay, and maintaining existing resources for traditional districts. All candidates agree on expanding career and technical education pathways beyond traditional four-year college routes.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students (particularly fourth-graders with poor reading scores and high schoolers with 27% college-readiness rates)
Michigan teachers and educators facing workforce shortages
Parents choosing between public schools, charter schools, and private school options
Public school districts (approximately 800 statewide)
Charter schools
School support staff
Special education students
Elementary school teachers required to undergo literacy training
Transgender students (potentially affected by James' proposed policies)
Formerly incarcerated Michiganders seeking reentry opportunities
Taxpayers and scholarship-granting nonprofits (under the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program)

What action is being taken

A 2024 law requires districts to ensure teachers receive science of reading training by the 2027-28 school year
A law signed by Governor Whitmer this month requires elementary school teachers to take literacy training by the 2031-2032 school year
Michigan's new budget is diverting about $2 billion from the School Aid Fund in the 2027 fiscal year beginning in October
27 states have opted into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program (Michigan has not)
The state has worked to lower the cost of obtaining teaching credentials

Why it matters

Michigan's educational crisis has far-reaching implications for the state's economic competitiveness and workforce development. With students ranking 44th nationally in fourth-grade reading and only 27% achieving college readiness, an entire generation faces diminished opportunities for higher education and skilled employment. The teacher shortage threatens to further compromise educational quality, while the philosophical divide between candidates—supporting public schools versus expanding private options—will determine whether limited resources are concentrated or dispersed. These outcomes will shape Michigan's ability to attract businesses, retain talent, and maintain economic vitality for decades to come.

What's next

August 4 primary election to narrow the field from four candidates to two
James promises to opt Michigan into the federal tax credit scholarship program "on Day 1 as governor" if elected
James would pursue legislative action requiring proven K-3 phonics instruction
Swanson proposes appointing a bipartisan task force to create a new school grading system
James plans to release more details about his proposed transparency and accountability system
Benson calls for establishing a statewide absenteeism strategy with local implementation plans
James proposes requiring schools to post curricula online and subjecting instructional materials to FOIA requests
Constitutional amendment would be needed (requiring voter approval) for James' proposal to give the governor power to appoint the state superintendent

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com