Benson, Duggan, Cox and Swanson to appear at gubernatorial education forum in Detroit on Friday

February 3, 2026 - 20:07

Four prominent candidates for Michigan's governor will converge in Detroit this Friday for a critical forum focused solely on education policy. The event, hosted by the Michigan Education Association, will feature Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, both Democrats, alongside Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, an independent, and former Attorney General Mike Cox, a Republican.

The diverse political lineup underscores the broad, non-partisan significance of educational issues in the upcoming election. The forum is scheduled for Friday morning and will provide a platform for the candidates to outline their visions for the state's schools, educators, and students.

Attendees can expect a substantive discussion on key challenges and opportunities facing Michigan's education system. The format will include questions submitted directly by educators and members of the school community across the state, ensuring the conversation addresses frontline concerns. This gathering represents a significant opportunity for voters to compare the candidates' policies and priorities on one of the election's most defining topics.