Democratic candidates for Michigan governor set to appear for spring forum on gun violence

Updated on 12-3-25

End Gun Violence Michigan is planning to host its first-ever, nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate forum in May, but at present, only the Democratic Party candidates in the 2026 race responded to the invitation.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, each seeking their party’s nomination for the November 2026 contest, plan to attend the forum. It is being billed as an opportunity for community members to engage directly with gubernatorial candidates ahead of the August 2026 primary.

The aim is to highlight the candidates’ stances on a host of gun violence prevention issues, giving the Democratic candidates a chance to detail their positions on holding the gun industry accountable and protecting democracy.

Questions about suicide prevention, community violence intervention, domestic violence, and protecting schools and children will also be on the menu, which would give the GOP candidates for governor a chance to explore points they’re already talking about on the campaign trail, but in the context of gun violence.

A save the date announcement issued last week, however, only lists the Democratic candidates.

In an email to Michigan Advance, a spokesperson for End Gun Violence Michigan said that the group reached out to each of the Republican candidates for governor who met a 10% polling threshold, and that none of them responded.

Following the forum, the organization will host a fair so attendees can get involved with local groups that are working each day on the aforementioned issues.

Those interested in attending the forum can sign up here.

This story was updated to reflect the 10% polling threshold used by End Gun Violence Michigan to determine which candidates to invite.