MEA members from every corner of the state volunteered countless hours in their communities to help elect friends of public education, from local school boards to the governor’s office.

Thanks to their efforts, pro-education candidates won races up and down the ballot, including a resounding victory for Gov.-elect Jocelyn Benson, as well as a sweep of statewide offices and control of both chambers of the Legislature. Returning Lansing to a pro-education trifecta will benefit both our students and the amazing educators dedicated to their success.

Our state also elected friends of public education to the U.S. Senate and Congress; came together on a bipartisan basis to defeat Proposal 1 and avoid the uncertainty and risk of a constitutional convention; retained two great justices to the Michigan Supreme Court; and seated over 100 MEA-recommended candidates on local school boards.

This sends a clear message to elected officials that everyday citizens from all walks of life support strengthening their hometown schools.

We look forward to collaborating with Gov.-elect Benson and the new pro-education majority in the Legislature as soon as they take office, because we have a lot of work to do: recruiting and retaining amazing educators for our kids, ensuring every student gets the necessary support to improve educational outcomes, and investing in the public schools that are the lifeblood of our communities.

The election is over, and the time to come together is now. Despite any differences we may have as individuals, we can do amazing things when we come together as one state, committed to lighting a brighter path forward for every student in every community.