By Gracie Everly and Clara McShane, Spain Park High School
Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writers
The Tomorrow-TODAY staff asked each of the 2026 gubernatorial candidates the same three questions. Their responses follow:
How can lawmakers address the challenges of immigration reform in a way that balances national security concerns with the humane treatment of refugees and undocumented immigrants?
Carter Holloway: Lawmakers can balance national security concerns with the humane treatment of refugees and undocumented immigrants by creating a comprehensive immigration policy that strengthens border security through technology while also providing clear pathways to legal status, asylum, and citizenship. They should prioritize fair, efficient processes for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, ensuring their rights are protected. Additionally, bipartisan collaboration is key to finding solutions that address both security needs and humanitarian principles, ensuring a system that is both secure and compassionate.
Michael Phan: For lawmakers to effectively address the challenges of immigration in a humane yet effective way, they will need to focus more on prevention rather than deportation. Although allowing every single undocumented immigrant entry to the United States isn’t exactly feasible, ripping them out of our society in the manner that Donald Trump has done is putting large strains on our law enforcement, and it’s causing major labor shortages that have led to higher costs in numerous areas. I believe that the most effective way for lawmakers to address immigration is to focus more on policies that allow fewer immigrants into America, rather than to destroy countless families by taking them away from each other.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role of youth governor if elected?
Michael Phan: If elected, I hope to continue to make Youth in Government a place where the people’s voice matters. I want to make sure that everyone feels empowered to speak up and that Youth in Government remains a place where delegates feel inspired to engage in debate.
Carter Holloway: As far as what I want to accomplish, I just want to do the best I can to make sure everyone feels like Youth Leg. is a conference where people can congregate and socialize with everyone else and share their opinions because here, your voice matters.
If money were no object, what’s the first thing you would buy?
Carter Holloway: I would pay off all the U.S’s medical debt.
Michael Phan: If money were no object, I would buy a rocket ship, fly to Mars, and live out the rest of my days there.
As the 2026 youth gubernatorial race unfolds, both candidates, Michael Phan and Carter Holloway, bring unique perspectives and goals to the table. Their responses highlight their approaches to key issues and plans to create an inclusive Youth in Government experience. Voters now have the opportunity to decide which vision best aligns with their own to determine who will be the 2026 ALYIG Youth Governor.