Garlin Gilchrist Wins Democratic Nomination for Michigan Secretary of State

Lt. Governor Gilchrist defeats two other Democrats to secure the party's endorsement for the 2026 election

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:50am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone ballot box sitting on a table in a dimly lit room, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of the high stakes and weighty responsibility of the secretary of state role.As Michigan's political landscape shifts, the race for secretary of state takes on heightened importance in the fight to protect voting rights.Today in Detroit

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II won the Democratic nomination for secretary of state at the state party's endorsement convention on Sunday. Gilchrist defeated former Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum on the first ballot, securing a majority of delegate votes. The nomination sets up an expected tight general election race between Gilchrist and Republican nominee Anthony Forlini, the Macomb County Clerk.

Why it matters

As Michigan's next secretary of state, the winner will be the state's top election official, replacing Democrat Jocelyn Benson. Gilchrist has vowed to protect voting rights and defend the integrity of elections against efforts by former President Trump to undermine them.

The details

Gilchrist, a software engineer turned lieutenant governor, has promised to fight any attempts by Trump to restrict mail voting or target voters' private data if elected. He has also pledged to advocate for campaign finance reform and modernize licensing and registration services.

  • The Michigan Democratic Party's endorsement convention took place on April 19, 2026.
  • Gilchrist won the nomination on the first ballot at the convention.

The players

Garlin Gilchrist II

The current lieutenant governor of Michigan who won the Democratic nomination for secretary of state. Gilchrist has a background in software engineering and previously worked for the City of Detroit as a developer.

Suzanna Shkreli

A former Michigan Lottery Commissioner who ran against Gilchrist for the Democratic nomination.

Barb Byrum

The Ingham County Clerk who also ran against Gilchrist for the Democratic nomination.

Anthony Forlini

The Macomb County Clerk who won the Republican nomination for secretary of state and will face Gilchrist in the general election.

Jocelyn Benson

The current Democratic secretary of state of Michigan, who is term-limited and will be succeeded by either Gilchrist or Forlini.

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What they’re saying

“As secretary of state, he will protect the right to vote, defend the will of the people, and ensure Michigan's elections remain secure, fair, and free from political interference.”

— Winnie Brinks, State Senate Majority Leader

“If he wants to mess with Michiganders' right to vote, he's gonna have to come through me.”

— Garlin Gilchrist II

“I am concerned with what I had read in the Detroit News recently, that Mr. Gilchrist showed up for work in his current role only 6% of the time.”

— Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk

What’s next

Gilchrist said the first thing he expects to do if elected is to prepare for upcoming elections and defend against any efforts by the Trump administration to undermine voting in Michigan.

The takeaway

Gilchrist's victory sets up a high-stakes general election battle for the secretary of state position, with the winner poised to play a pivotal role in protecting voting rights and election integrity in Michigan in the face of ongoing threats from former President Trump and his allies.