Michigan Democrats Endorse Gilchrist for Secretary of State, Savit for Attorney General

Party also ousts U-M Regent Jordan Acker in contentious race

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:34am

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An abstract, fragmented painting of the Michigan state flag, its colors and shapes overlapping and distorting, conveying a sense of political turmoil and disunity.The Michigan Democratic Party's endorsement convention in Detroit exposed deep divisions within the party, as progressives challenged establishment-backed candidates.Today in Detroit

Michigan Democrats endorsed Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general at their annual convention in Detroit. Delegates also ousted University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, sparking a proxy battle over the school's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Why it matters

The endorsements set the stage for high-profile November matchups, with Gilchrist facing Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini and Savit squaring off against Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd. The regent race became a referendum on the University of Michigan's crackdown on student protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The details

More than 7,200 delegates packed the Huntington Center in Detroit for the second day of the state Democratic convention, a record turnout. The endorsement process was at times chaotic, with delays and booing from progressive activists. But by the end of the night, the winning candidates were calling for party unity ahead of the fall elections.

  • The Michigan Democratic Party delegates met in Detroit on Sunday to pick several general election candidates.
  • The Michigan Republican Party endorsed Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini for secretary of state and Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd for attorney general at a separate convention in late March.

The players

Garlin Gilchrist

The current lieutenant governor of Michigan, who previously ran for governor before dropping out to seek the secretary of state nomination.

Eli Savit

The Washtenaw County prosecutor, who has pushed progressive reforms that have sparked criticism from conservatives.

Jordan Acker

The incumbent University of Michigan regent who was ousted by delegates, in a race that became a proxy battle over the school's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Amir Makled

A Dearborn civil rights attorney who secured the Democratic nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

Curtis Hertel Jr.

The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, who said the convention saw a record turnout of more than 7,200 delegates.

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What they’re saying

“Our unity is our strength. Our unity is our power. Coming out of this convention, we will have a Michigan Democratic Party that's united and cannot be defeated.”

— Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan

“This moment, obviously, doesn't belong to me. It belongs to every student who believed their voice mattered.”

— Amir Makled, Dearborn civil rights attorney

“Democrats, I love you, even when we disagree.”

— Haley Stevens

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This endorsement convention highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Michigan Democratic Party, with progressive activists challenging more establishment-backed candidates. The results set up high-stakes November matchups for key statewide offices, while the University of Michigan regent race became a proxy battle over the school's handling of student protests.