Candidates for governor talk ICE, academics at teachers union forum

Four Michigan gubernatorial candidates discussed education plans at a teachers union event.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The candidates for Michigan governor gathered at a forum hosted by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, to discuss their plans for improving education in the state. The candidates, including Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, Republican Mike Cox, and Independent Mike Duggan, answered questions on topics like increasing teacher pay, addressing low academic achievement, and the role of immigration enforcement in schools.

Why it matters

Education is a key issue in the Michigan governor's race, with the state facing concerns over low academic performance. The forum gave teachers a chance to hear the candidates' visions for K-12 schools and how they would approach challenges like teacher retention and curriculum development.

The details

At the forum, the candidates presented varied approaches to education policy. Benson pledged to raise starting teacher pay to at least $60,000, while Cox argued that increased accountability, not more funding, is needed to improve results. Duggan said he would stop the practice of using K-12 school funding for higher education, and Swanson criticized the "Mississippi model" favored by Cox, instead calling for programs like free school meals and preschool. The candidates also addressed the role of immigration enforcement, with Duggan and Swanson criticizing ICE's tactics in immigrant communities.

  • The forum took place on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jocelyn Benson

The Democratic candidate for Michigan governor and the current Secretary of State. Benson is a former teacher whose parents were also teachers.

Mike Cox

The Republican candidate for Michigan governor and a former state attorney general.

Mike Duggan

The Independent candidate for Michigan governor and the former mayor of Detroit.

Chris Swanson

The Democratic candidate for Michigan governor and the Genesee County Sheriff.

Michigan Education Association

The state's largest teachers union, which hosted the forum.

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What they’re saying

“You will have a voice … and I will reflect my commitment to that by ensuring that your compensation reflects the respect, the professional respect, that you all have earned. To me, that is a critical component of attracting and retaining talented people.”

— Jocelyn Benson, Democratic candidate for Michigan governor (freep.com)

“Accountability brings results. Results bring more money for teachers.”

— Mike Cox, Republican candidate for Michigan governor (freep.com)

“ICE is doing it wrong. I've worked with the FBI, Secret Service, ATF, DEA for 33 years. We work with the most dangerous of cases. We don't have people protesting us. We don't have people scared.”

— Chris Swanson, Democratic candidate for Michigan governor (freep.com)

“I'm not interested in making a decision as a governor for the next election. I'm interested in making decisions for education that have generational impact.”

— Chris Swanson, Democratic candidate for Michigan governor (freep.com)

What’s next

The candidates will continue to campaign and debate ahead of the Michigan gubernatorial election in November 2026.

The takeaway

The forum highlighted the stark differences between the candidates' approaches to education policy, with issues like teacher pay, curriculum, and the role of immigration enforcement emerging as key points of contrast. Voters will have to weigh these differing visions as they choose the next governor of Michigan.