VAAC is proud to support and endorse the first-ever non-partisan Governor Candidate Forum hosted by End Gun Violence Michigan on Saturday, May 16 in Detroit.

This forum will give community members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for Governor about public safety, democracy, and violence prevention in Michigan communities.

Confirmed candidates currently include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Sheriff Chris Swanson.

Candidates will be asked to address issues including:

• Protecting schools and children
• Suicide prevention
• Community violence intervention
• Domestic violence
• Holding the gun industry accountable
• Protecting democracy

Organizers say the event is intended to center the voices of survivors, advocates, and community members directly impacted by violence and public safety issues across Michigan.

The event will also include a community organization fair featuring groups working on voting rights, civic engagement, public safety, criminal legal reform, reproductive rights, and community advocacy.

VAAC will be participating alongside organizations from across Michigan. Co-organizers and participating organizations include: Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Statewide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM), Michigan United, Detroit Action, Church of the Messiah Detroit, Detroit Change Initiative, Red Wine & Blue, Lock It for Life Ypsilanti, Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan, Distill Social, Disarmory Ministries, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, We the People Dissent Detroit, FORCE Detroit, North Flint Neighborhood Action Council, Charles W. Reid Community Center Detroit, Reproductive Freedom for All, Michigan Education Justice Coalition, National Council of Jewish Women, Lock It for Everyone, and additional community partners from across the state.

Event Information

🗓️ May 16, 2026

📍 Cathedral Church of St. Paul
4800 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201

🕑 Governor Candidate Forum: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🕓 Community Organization Fair: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.

Register Here for the Governor Candidate Forum