“Just like with solving any problem, lawmakers should consult the experts to make the right decisions — and for public education, that’s us: educators who know our jobs and what our students need. I’m committed to bringing that attitude to Lansing.”

– Dr. Rashida Harrison, MEA member and Candidate for State Senate (District 28)

Harrison, who until recently was an MSU professor and member of the Union of Tenure Stream Faculty, is one of several MEA members running for state office this fall:

State Senate, District 5 – Matt Koleszar

State Senate, District 8 – Dayna Polehanki

State Senate, District 16 – Deandre Barnes

State Senate, District 18 – Anthony Pennock

State Senate, District 28 – Rashida Harrison

State House, District 23 – Jason Morgan

State House, District 27 – Jaime Churches

State House, District 67 – Leslie Getz

State House, District 95 – AnnMarie Horseman

State House, District 110 – Brian Irizarry

There are dozens of others with education backgrounds on the ballot as well — find recommended candidates near you on the Online Voter Guide at MEAVotes.org.

Are you interested in running for office? Plan now to join a special NEA training program — See Educators Run — which is coming to Michigan in 2027. Express your interest in running for local, state or federal office by emailing us at pac@mea.org — we’ll share details when they’re available.

Find recommended candidates and more at MEAVotes.org

At MEAVotes.org, you can find:

• Online Voter Guide – Look up recommended candidates near you!
• Vote From Home – Request and track your absentee ballot!
• Plan To Vote – Make your voting plan: absentee, early or at the polls!
• Volunteering For Victory – Knock doors, make calls, send texts!
• Donate to MEA‑PAC – Fund friends of public education

About MEA’s Screening & Recommendation Process

MEA’s Screening & Recommendation (S&R) Process places control of MEA political recommendations in the hands of MEA members from across the state from diverse backgrounds and roles within the public education community.

The process is governed by the MEA Political Action Committee (MEA‑PAC) Council, made up of local delegates from MEA’s 60+ coordinating councils.

Recommendation decisions are based on candidate responses to questionnaires and interviews regarding education and labor issues only.

Recommendations at the state level are made by the Statewide S&R Committee, which is composed of elected members from various parts of the state and job classifications.

The S&R process for legislative districts is controlled at the local level, where interviews and recommendation votes are taken by MEA members from those jurisdictions serving on local S&R Committees. Recommendations for federal offices must also be confirmed by the board of the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.

For more, visit the Election 2026 Member Resources page.