GOP Candidates Vow to Transform Michigan Education at Forum

Republican Candidates Outline Education Overhaul Plans at Forum

During a recent forum held in the Lansing area, Republican candidates for Michigan's next governor presented their visions for overhauling the state's education system. The event took place at a conference for homeschooling families and featured several prominent figures from the political landscape.

U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township made his first appearance at a debate for the 2026 primary race. Alongside him were former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Porter Township, and longtime Pastor Ralph Rebandt of Elmira. Notably absent was businessman Perry Johnson of Bloomfield Hills, who had a family commitment according to his campaign.

The discussion, which occurred inside Mount Hope Church, was largely cordial among the GOP hopefuls. Topics included education policy and social issues, particularly abortion. James emphasized the need for the State Board of Education and the state superintendent to answer to the governor, which would likely require an amendment to the Michigan Constitution.

"I'm going to be leading to get the Michigan Board of Education to report to the governor," James stated. Currently, voters elect the eight members of the State Board of Education, which supervises public education and hires the state superintendent. Critics argue this setup limits the governor's ability to influence school policies.

James also proposed that third-grade students meet specific reading standards before advancing to fourth grade. Nesbitt focused on "more open school choice" for families and eliminating "wokism" he claims has infiltrated schools and government. He mentioned a 12-year-old in Wayne County sent to the office for refusing to use they/them pronouns for another student.

"God bless this kid," Nesbitt remarked. Rebandt aimed to "dismantle the entire public school system" and rebuild it around parental involvement. He also emphasized the need for Christians to be involved in the school system.

"We need to get back into the school system," Rebandt told the crowd of about 200 people. Cox highlighted his desire to improve Michigan's student reading scores, noting that the state's average fourth-grade reading score was behind 45 other states in 2024, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). He plans to grade schools' performance and provide tutors for struggling students as early as kindergarten.

Where the Race Stands

Republican and Democratic voters will nominate candidates for governor during the primary election on August 4. Michigan's current governor, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, cannot run again due to term limits. The Saturday event was hosted by Citizens for Traditional Values and the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network, with all gubernatorial candidates invited.

There were few criticisms among the Republicans during the 90-minute discussion, which often centered on faith. Rebandt contended that Michigan needs systemic change, stating he was there to represent the Lord. "This is an election to save our state," he said. Nesbitt targeted Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, whom many believe will be her party's nominee for governor.

"If we think it's bad now, it's going to get even worse with Jocelyn Benson," Nesbitt said.

Trump Tuition Credit Gets Support

All four GOP candidates supported Michigan joining Republican President Donald Trump's Education Freedom Tax Credit. Nesbitt and James said it would be one of their top priorities. The program allows donors to receive a federal tax benefit for contributing to nonprofits that grant scholarships to students for education-related expenses. It could also fund tuition at private and religious schools, a feature some Democrats have criticized as a voucher-like system.

"This is money that is for you that other states are benefiting from," James said. Whitmer has not announced her stance on the initiative, and some school and union groups oppose it. A recent letter from a group of Michigan education organizations stated that the program would redirect taxpayer-supported resources away from public schools.

Abortion and Planned Parenthood

The four Republican candidates also expressed opposition to state funding for Planned Parenthood, an abortion rights and health care organization. Rebandt noted that other GOP candidates had consultants advising them not to discuss abortion. In 2022, Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state Constitution, a topic central to Whitmer's reelection victory.

"I cannot sit back and watch people say, 'Well, it's in the Constitution,'" Rebandt said. Cox called the 2022 proposal "an abomination that came into our Constitution four years ago." James pledged to always defend the lives of mothers and babies. When asked about his approach to governance, James stated he plans to "submit the Lord and serve his people."