Michigan Education Association Delays Gubernatorial Endorsement Decision
Michigan’s largest teachers union delays endorsement after screening Democratic and independent candidates, citing inability to reach majority decision.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — The Michigan Education Association announced it will not endorse any candidate for governor at this time, after screening three contenders who actively sought the union’s backing in the 2026 race.
The state’s largest teachers union interviewed Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, along with independent Mike Duggan, during a screening process held Saturday. However, the association’s Statewide Screening and Recommendation Committee failed to reach a majority decision on which candidate to support.
“In the meantime, MEA looks forward to continuing our dialog with the candidates running for governor and every other office as we work to strengthen our neighborhood schools, improve student outcomes and raise the standard of living for teachers, education support professionals, and higher-education faculty and staff throughout Michigan,” the association stated in a press release.
Candidates Court Education Vote
All three candidates who participated in the screening process had actively pursued the MEA endorsement, including taking part in a February forum hosted by the organization. Republican Mike Cox also appeared at that forum but was frequently met with audience disapproval and acknowledged he was unlikely to receive the union’s backing.
Cox chose not to participate in the formal screening process for the endorsement. During the February event, he faced boos from the crowd while presenting his positions.
Varying Education Platforms
The candidates have presented different approaches to education policy during their campaigns. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has advocated for abandoning Michigan’s current fixed per-pupil spending system in favor of a weighted funding model that would allocate resources based on individual district needs.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan have also outlined their respective education priorities, though the association’s committee could not coalesce around any single candidate’s platform.
Future Endorsement Possible
The MEA indicated its screening committee could reconvene at a later date to reconsider endorsement options. The association’s decision carries significant weight in Michigan politics, as the union represents thousands of educators across the state.
The delay in endorsement comes as candidates continue campaigning ahead of the gubernatorial election. The MEA’s eventual backing could provide organizational support and voter outreach capabilities for whichever candidate ultimately receives it.
The association emphasized its commitment to ongoing dialogue with all gubernatorial candidates as the election cycle progresses, focusing on policies that would benefit Michigan’s education system and its workforce.
