FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2026
Business Leaders Contact: Becky Burtka, 313-920-5306
MEA Contact: Doug Pratt, 517-337-5508 

 

New statewide survey finds voters across party lines say a candidate’s education plan will shape their vote – showing how major party candidates running in the August Primary fare in a general-election matchup for Governor and U.S. Senate 

Detroit – A week ahead of Michigan’s August primary election, a new statewide survey commissioned by Business Leaders For Michigan (BLM) and the Michigan Education Association (MEA) shows education is a key priority for Michigan voters heading into this fall’s election. The survey also provides updated numbers on potential matchups for the November general election. 

The statewide poll was conducted by the Glengariff Group among likely Michigan voters ahead of the August primary and November 2026 general election. The poll of 600 likely voters was conducted through live telephone interviews from July 22 to 24 (margin of error +/-4.0%, 95% confidence).  

Among the key education findings: 

• 91.3% of voters say a candidate’s education plan will matter to their vote for Governor, with 67.7% calling it extremely or very important. 

• 95.6% say it’s important for Michigan to set a high statewide standard for the skills students need to succeed in college, an apprenticeship or the workforce. 

• 72.6% of voters, with majorities across every party, say Michigan educators do not currently have the support they need to help every student succeed.  

• A majority, 51.5%, support requiring every high school student to complete an internship, apprenticeship or other work-based learning experience before graduation — support that holds steady across party lines and is strongest among Black voters (74.7%). 

“Michiganders are looking for an education system that delivers for students and our state,” said Jeff Donofrio, President and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan. “They want students better prepared for college, careers and life. Candidates who focus on proven reforms, clear goals and accountability for outcomes will find broad support.” 

“Voters are telling us what our members have been saying for years: high expectations for students must be matched by the support educators need to help every child reach them,” said Chandra Madafferi, President & CEO of the Michigan Education Association. “We hope every candidate on the ballot makes it a priority to ensure students and educators have the resources necessary to achieve excellence.” 

BLM and MEA are partners in Launch Michigan, the cross-partisan coalition behind the Michigan Education Guarantee and working to transform its system to help our graduates compete in the global economy. 

New numbers for Governor and U.S. Senate 

The survey tested a series of potential November matchups among candidates running in Michigan’s August primary for Governor and U.S. Senate. Neither BLM nor MEA has endorsed a candidate in either race. 

U.S. Senate (potential November matchups): 

• Haley Stevens (D) 45.5% – Mike Rogers (R) 44.7% — Stevens +0.8, 8.9% undecided
  

• Mike Rogers (R) 49.0% – Abdul El-Sayed (D) 38.7% — Rogers +10.3, 10.7% undecided 

Governor (potential November matchups): 

• Jocelyn Benson (D) 43.7% – John James (R) 38.7% — Benson +5.0, 16.0% undecided
  

• Jocelyn Benson (D) 47.7% – Perry Johnson (R) 37.4% — Benson +10.3, 12.9% undecided
  

• Chris Swanson (D) 43.4% – John James (R) 39.8% — Swanson +3.6, 14.6% undecided
  

• Chris Swanson (D) 43.5% – Perry Johnson (R) 40.3% — Swanson +3.2, 13.8% undecided 

On education, voters saw Jocelyn Benson as the candidate most identified with improving education overall (30.4%). John James leads among Republicans, reaching 52.7% among Strong Republicans (22.3% overall). Twenty-six-point two percent of voters remain undecided on this question, leaving an opening for candidates to win more of these voters over.   

Full results can be found in this Glengariff Group memo. 

About Business Leaders For Michigan: Business Leaders For Michigan is dedicated to making Michigan a Top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy through the Michigan in a New Era plan. The statewide organization is made up of senior leaders from Michigan’s largest employers and universities, whose members drive 40% of the state’s economy, generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue, employ 540,000 people in Michigan, and educate more than 40% of the state’s public university students. 

About the Michigan Education Association: The Michigan Education Association is the state’s largest education employee organization, representing approximately 120,000 educators and support professionals from early childhood through higher education across Michigan. MEA is committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality public education.  

###