Here’s how governor candidates say they’d fix Michigan education

• As reading scores languish, Michigan gubernatorial candidates are pitching that schools adopt ‘science of reading’ instruction and curriculum
• Candidates blame partisan bickering and constantly changing expectations for Michigan’s learning woes
• Some candidates have yet to release education plans

Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls are pitching new and old ideas to fix the state’s education system and improve reading test scores that have sunk toward the bottom of the nation.

Already, schools are shaping up as a key issue in the campaign to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a term-limited Democrat, in the November 2026 election.

Bridge Michigan asked each major candidate two questions:

• What are at least two things you believe are causes for poor academic performance in Michigan schools?
• How would you improve early literacy in Michigan differently than what is now being done?

Bridge included part of their responses below, along with links to their full answers and their broader ideas about education in Michigan.

Related:

• Michigan schools on hiring spree. Can it reverse ‘Titanic’ learning losses?
• School district lookup: How scores, staff, enrollment changed across Michigan
• Mississippi turned around its schools. Its secret: Tools Michigan abandoned
• Fact check: What’s true, false, misleading about Michigan’s education slide
• Michigan spent big to fix schools. The result: Worse scores and plenty of blame

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democrat

The plan:  Benson wants mandatory training for all K-3 teachers in the science of reading, a program based on how the brain learns to read that includes phonics, and to ensure schools use “high-quality, research-backed core curricula for literacy and math.” She calls for more accountability and toughened graduation requirements.

Her proposal also includes a personalized education plan for each child starting with kindergarten — something that now exists only for those with disabilities.  

Quote: “There have been well-intentioned, bipartisan investments in tutoring, early literacy coaching, and additional support. But those efforts lack coherence and consistency. We have over 400 different literacy curricula in use, many of which have no basis in evidence or data as a successful approach to teaching. That's inefficient and unfair to educators and students who are striving to succeed.” 

Reality check: Benson’s proposals would cost more money, especially individual education plans and training for science of reading, which is now optional. Superintendent Michael Rice is also advocating for mandatory science of reading training. Tying funding to accountability and transparency is controversial, and Democratic lawmakers have had little appetite to do so. Likewise, toughening graduation requirements has business support but opposition from school leaders.

Benson is correct that there are currently more than 400 curricula, but that list will narrow significantly starting in 2027, when districts must use evidence-based literacy instruction.

Read more: Check out the full response and her campaign website. 

Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Republican

The plan: Cox would mandate science of reading curricula for schools and training for K-5 teachers, reinstate the state’s A-F grading system for schools and expand school choice through education savings accounts. He would also work with teachers and administrators to reduce rules and regulations while aiming to add accountability efforts like firing people and closing schools.

Quote: “It is noteworthy that Mississippi does this much better than Michigan with much fewer dollars. Indeed, Mississippi outperforms Michigan in every single possible social, economic, and racial demographic. So, we should expect that Michigan can do even better with concentrated focus, priorities aligned between state government and local schools systems and teachers.”

Reality check: Cox is one of several candidates who would fight for mandatory science of reading training for teachers. Schools will be required by the 2027-2028 school year to use evidence-based literacy instruction, but the state is already providing financial incentives to get schools to adopt high-quality curricula. Democrats ended the state’s A-F grading system for schools in 2023. The state doesn’t offer tax-credit scholarships, vouchers or savings plans for private schools. But 1 in 9 public school students attend charters, and 1 in 4 attend a charter or traditional school outside of their home district.

Read more: Check out the full response and his campaign website here. 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, independent 

The plan: Duggan, a Democrat for almost all his career, wants the state to invest $4.5 billion more over five years to “rebuild education,” an about 4% increase in annual spending. He said he would improve early literacy by using student tutoring, summer reading and small group learning, which is not dissimilar from current efforts.

At the Mackinac Policy Conference earlier this year, Duggan said principals would be fired if they fail to improve student achievement.

Quote: “Our schools have become political footballs and our children are paying the price. Standards that should be consistent get changed again and again. The changes are leading to unclear standards for district leaders and educators. Our education system will continue to suffer until we set clear standards that don’t change every time a new party gets the majority, and provide the necessary funding to drive student performance and growth.” 

Reality check: Experts agree with Duggan that Michigan changes school reforms too often —but Duggan’s reforms would be the latest. Many districts used federal COVID-19 relief funds or state funds to pay for student tutoring. Sometimes, districts work with outside vendors to staff these tutoring programs. Duggan’s plan to fire principals would likely face resistance.

Read more: Check out the full response and campaign website.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Democrat 

The plan: Gilchrist responded to Bridge but did not directly answer its questions. Gilchrist said he will listen to teachers, who “should have access to more than just basic resources.” 

Quote: “Gov. Whitmer and I are incredibly proud to have equalized school funding ensuring every school district has the same baseline funding and to have increased the level of funding per student across Michigan to a record amount. But closing the funding gap isn’t enough — we also need to close the outcome gap. We have more work to do to ensure every student in Michigan can read and have a bright future.”

Reality check: Gilchrist has yet to describe how or if his policies would differ from Whitmer’s, how to close the “outcome gap” or what he means by listening to teachers. 

Read more: Check out the full response and his campaign website.

US Rep. John James, Republican

The plan: James did not respond directly to Bridge’s questions. Spokesperson Hannah Osantowske said James is expected to release his education policy agenda in the coming weeks.

Quote: “John James is deeply committed to reversing the persistent decline in our state’s education system, which has let down our children for far too long,” Osantowske said. 

Reality check: So far, James has not released a plan.

Read more: Check out the full response and his campaign website.

Former House Speaker Tom Leonard, Republican

The plan: Leonard’s plan would hold back third-graders who aren’t proficient in reading, provide vouchers to help students regularly attend school and fund early literacy coaches.

Leonard wants Michigan’s universal free Pre-K program aligned with the science of reading. He also wants “universal screening for literacy three times per year” for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Quote:  “This crisis isn’t about money, it’s about misaligned priorities, weak accountability and a governance system that no longer serves families or students effectively. At the heart of the issue is a lack of performance-based policy, ineffective oversight, and a failure to focus on foundational academic achievement.”

Reality check: Michigan had a third-grade retention law to hold back students who were more than a year behind in reading, but it was repealed in 2023 when Democrats controlled the Legislature. Michigan already funds literacy coaches. Chronic absenteeism is a big issue, but it’s unclear how a voucher system would work to incentivize students to attend school.

Read more: Check out the full response and his campaign website.

Sen. Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Republican

The plan: Nesbitt did not respond to a request for comment but his campaign website references several education ideas, and he spoke with Bridge at the Mackinac Policy Conference about his education ideas. 

On his website, Nesbitt said he wants to reform graduation requirements and provide more teachers in rural areas by offering tuition assistance to college students who promise to serve in those areas after graduation.

Quote: “Three out of four fourth-graders aren’t reading at grade level. That’s criminal,” Nesbitt told Bridge at the Mackinac Policy Conference. “We’ve got to get back to basics. We’ve got to make sure that these students are learning at grade level by third grade, that they have the wraparound services that they need, we’re back to the science of reading on phonics.”

Reality check: Like Benson, Nesbitt’s pitch to reform the high school graduation requirements would require legislative approval and may face pushback. Chronic absenteeism remains higher than pre-pandemic, with nearly 30% of students missing 18 days or more of school in a year. 

Michigan has a tuition assistance program for students studying to become teachers, though it is not tied to teaching in rural areas. Schools struggling to fill positions can also participate in the state’s “grow your own” teacher program, which offers grants to help staffers become teachers. 

Read more: Check out his campaign website.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Democrat

The plan: Swanson said the bipartisan passage of the science of reading laws is a step in the right direction. In addition, he said “aligned curriculum, ongoing high-quality professional development for teachers and research-based tiered intervention support for struggling readers are essential.” 

He also referenced his work with the Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally through Education (I.G.N.I.T.E.) program in the Genesee County jail. He said there have been hundreds who have graduated with a diploma, GED or skilled trades certificate.   

“We need to bring that same mindset to Michigan classrooms. Purpose drives performance, and we need more of that connection in our schools.” 

Quote: “In too many communities, especially those with a lower tax base, schools simply don’t have the resources to back them up. From not enough special education staff to a lack of updated tools in the classroom, the gap in services hurts students and burns out educators. We’ve got to listen to parents and teachers. They’re on the front lines, and they know what’s needed to help kids thrive.”

Reality check: Swanson’s ideas for improving literacy align with proposals from State Superintendent Rice. Currently, teacher training in the science of reading is optional. Schools have vast flexibility in choosing curricula but will have to ensure they are evidence-based by the 2027-28 school year. Schools already implement tiered interventions for different students but what that instruction looks like varies school to school. 

Read more: Check out the full response and his campaign website.