Michigan Democrats Endorse Gilchrist, Savit, Oust U-M Regent Acker

Delegates also booed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens during her Senate campaign speech at the party convention.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:11am

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, teal, and violet, depicting a podium or ballot box in an overlapping, geometric style that conveys a sense of chaos and division.The Michigan Democratic Party convention in Detroit featured heated debates and booing, exposing divisions within the party ahead of the November elections.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, a move seen as a referendum on the school's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Why it matters

The endorsements set up high-profile November matchups, while the regent race highlighted tensions within the party over Middle East policy. The convention also featured signs of division, with progressives booing establishment favorite Rep. Haley Stevens during her Senate campaign speech.

The details

Gilchrist, who has served as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's lieutenant for seven years, defeated two other candidates to secure the secretary of state nomination. Savit, a progressive prosecutor, topped union-backed Karen McDonald for the attorney general nod. Delegates also ousted incumbent U-M Regent Jordan Acker, replacing him with civil rights attorney Amir Makled in a contentious race that became a proxy fight over the school's response to pro-Palestinian protests.

  • The Michigan Democratic Party convention took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Voting at the convention was delayed by several hours due to delegate credentialing issues.

The players

Garlin Gilchrist

The current lieutenant governor of Michigan, who secured the Democratic nomination for secretary of state.

Eli Savit

The Washtenaw County prosecutor, who won the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Jordan Acker

The incumbent University of Michigan regent who was ousted by delegates in favor of civil rights attorney Amir Makled.

Amir Makled

A civil rights attorney who won the Democratic nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents, defeating the incumbent Jordan Acker.

Haley Stevens

A U.S. Representative who faced boos from progressive activists during her Senate campaign speech at the convention.

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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

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

— Amir Makled, Civil Rights Attorney

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 convention highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Michigan Democratic Party, with progressives challenging establishment figures on issues like Middle East policy and the direction of the party. The November elections will be a key test of whether the party can unite behind its nominees.