MichBio invites gubernatorial candidates to share their vision for Michigan's life sciences future
With the 2026 gubernatorial election approaching, MichBio has invited all major-party candidates for Governor to participate in its 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire, a nonpartisan initiative designed to inform Michigan's life sciences community about each candidate's priorities for one of the state's most innovative and economically significant industries.
The questionnaire asks candidates to outline their vision for strengthening Michigan's life sciences ecosystem, with questions covering innovation and entrepreneurship, research commercialization, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, prescription drug affordability and patient access, regulatory policy, public-private partnerships, and Michigan's competitive position relative to other leading life sciences states. A series of rapid-fire policy questions also seeks candidates' positions on issues including research and development tax incentives, workforce initiatives, technology commercialization, biomanufacturing, statewide life sciences strategy, and support for the ethical, humane, and legally regulated use of animals in biomedical research.
Campaigns have been asked to submit their completed questionnaires by August 31. As a nonpartisan organization, MichBio does not endorse candidates for public office; rather, the questionnaire is intended to provide a consistent and transparent comparison of each candidate's perspectives on policies that influence Michigan's innovation economy and life sciences sector.
To assist campaigns in preparing their responses, MichBio also provided background materials highlighting the industry's economic impact in Michigan, the statewide footprint of Michigan's bio-industry, and national policy best practices supporting bioscience growth, innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development.
MichBio looks forward to sharing the candidates' responses with the statewide life sciences ecosystem through various communication channels shortly after Labor Day 2026. The candidates responses, coupled with results of MichBio’s Michigan Life Sciences Competitiveness Survey will foster an informed dialogue when developing policy priorities that will shape the future of Michigan's life sciences industry.
