Lt. Gov. Gilchrist wins Democratic nomination for secretary of state

Michigan Democrats choose Gilchrist over Byrum and Shkreli for key election role

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:31am

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A dimly lit government office with a solitary ballot box in the center, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the importance of voting rights and election oversight.Gilchrist's nomination for secretary of state signals the Michigan Democratic Party's focus on election integrity and accessibility.Today in Detroit

Michigan Democrats have nominated Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II as their candidate for secretary of state, selecting the former software engineer over Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and former lottery commissioner Suzanna Shkreli at the party's convention.

Why it matters

The secretary of state position plays a crucial role in overseeing elections and protecting voting rights in Michigan, a key battleground state. Gilchrist's nomination signals the party's priorities around election integrity and accessibility.

The details

Gilchrist, who has served as lieutenant governor since 2019, emerged victorious from a competitive primary field that also included Byrum and Shkreli. As the Democratic nominee, he will face the Republican candidate in the November general election.

  • The Michigan Democratic convention was held on April 19, 2026.
  • Gilchrist has served as lieutenant governor since 2019.

The players

Garlin Gilchrist II

The current lieutenant governor of Michigan and the Democratic nominee for secretary of state.

Barb Byrum

The Ingham County Clerk and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state.

Suzanna Shkreli

A former lottery commissioner and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state.

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What they’re saying

“This is about making sure voices can be heard and freedoms can be realized,”

— Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor

What’s next

Gilchrist will now focus on his campaign for the general election in November 2026, where he will face the Republican nominee for secretary of state.

The takeaway

Gilchrist's nomination reflects the Michigan Democratic Party's commitment to protecting voting rights and ensuring the integrity of the state's elections. As secretary of state, he would play a crucial role in upholding these democratic principles.