July 13, 2026 – Grand Rapids Early Childhood Candidate Forum
Michigan’s Children, in partnership with First Steps Kent, Early Childhood Investment Corporation, MomsBloom, Vibrant Futures, and Policy Equity Group, is pleased to announce an upcoming candidate forum focused on early childhood issues in West Michigan.

The forum will take place on July 13, 2026, in Grand Rapids and will feature candidates running for:

  • Michigan Senate District 29
  • Michigan House District 80

This event will be conducted as a nonpartisan candidate forum, not a debate. The sponsoring organizations do not endorse any candidates. Participating candidates will be given equal time to introduce themselves and respond to questions developed by advocates working in the early childhood field.

Discussion topics will focus on issues impacting young children and their families, including access to child care, affordability, program quality, workforce challenges, and the availability of services and supports for families. The forum is intended to provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their vision for strengthening Michigan’s early childhood system and supporting the well-being of children and families. Advocates, providers, parents, caregivers, and community members interested in early childhood issues are encouraged to attend.

June 27, 2026  – Detroit Youth-Led Candidate
Forum

Michigan’s Children collaborated with several Detroit and Metro Detroit partners to put on a wonderful Youth-Driven Candidate Forum.
Youth were able to hear from U.S. Congress District 13 candidate Donovan McKinney and U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, along with several candidates from the MI Senate Districts 1, 2, 3, and 10 and the MI House Districts 4 and 9.

The Youth sat through additional advocacy training to help them best prepare their own questions, and they asked excellent ones, reminding everyone that although some may be too young to vote, it’s never too soon to engage in the civic process.

Make sure you honor them by voting in this upcoming primary election. Early Voting Starts July 26, and the last day to vote is August 4.

Is your organization interested in hosting a candidate forum? Please contact Stephen Wallace at stephen@michiganschildren.org for more information.