Both major party candidates were invited in August to join WMPF members to hear our concerns about the state ranking among the 5 worst in the country by US News, or as the Detroit News put it “in the pits,” and to share with us their plans to drive Michigan ahead. We were grateful to be joined by gubernatorial candidate, Representative John James. Unfortunately, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declined, citing a scheduling conflict.

Representative James laid out his approach to the state’s most pressing challenges. On education, he offered specific proposals to improve the state’s literacy, noting Mississippi’s dramatic improvements using these reforms. He further offered support for providing more options to ensure every child has access to the educational path or support that works best for them, calling access to a quality education a basic civil right.

On fiscal policy, James outlined a plan to cut the state income tax, citing billions in possible savings from eliminating pork spending and fraud, while ensuring our pension promises are funded and kept. He offered detailed plans to ignite Michigan’s business creation, job growth and career potential while focusing on retention of those growing jobs in our state.

James also addressed making energy more affordable and supply more reliable, as well as offering strong comments on making communities safer for families.

This race is consequential for the future of Michigan and we want to ensure you know where candidates stand on the issues heading into November.

Below is a full breakdown of where the candidates stand on your policy priorities.

Note: With Secretary Benson declining to join, we researched her public statements on key WMPF policy priorities. We shared our findings with her team and requested any concerns or corrections before sharing with you. Her positions below are drawn from public sources and have been reviewed by her campaign.