July 13, 2026 – Grand Rapids Early Childhood Candidate Forum

Kent County parents and child advocates attended a nonpartisan Early Childhood Candidate Forum with candidates for state Senate District 29 and state House District 80.

We are grateful for our partners who made this forum possible: First Steps Kent, Learning Care Group, MomsBloom, Inc., Think Babies Michigan, and Vibrant Futures. Sending a huge thank you to Tutor Time for welcoming candidates and guests in one of their classrooms, after a long day serving children and families! We are also grateful for Shelley Irwin, host and producer of The Shelley Irwin Show on NPR, who did a fantastic job as moderator.

Many of the candidates who attended were knowledgeable and passionate about improving access to affordable child care. They will be on the primary election ballot, along with candidates for the rest of the state Legislature, Governor’s Office, Congress, and local offices. Make sure you are registered to vote, and make a plan to vote on or before August 4th!

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.