Lieutenant Governor Wins Democratic Nomination at State Convention
DETROIT — Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist won the Michigan Democratic Party endorsement for secretary of state at the April 19 state convention, defeating a field of three candidates in a two-round voting process.
The endorsement came after a contentious race that began when Gilchrist announced his campaign earlier in the year following his departure from the gubernatorial race.
The convention gathered in a caucus room at the Michigan Democratic Party headquarters where supporters like Barb Byrum were among the early attendees who showed their enthusiasm for the lieutenant governor.
"Barb Byrum jumped up and down, shouting to the crowd gathered in a caucus room at the Michigan Democratic Convention," the coverage noted. "I'm fighting to be your Secretary of State," she said. "I'm going to fight like hell."
Just after 9 p.m., the endorsement officially went to Gilchrist, who currently serves as lieutenant governor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
"It took two rounds of voting to narrow down the field of three in this contentious race for the seat currently held by Jocelyn Benson, a candidate for governor," the report stated.
Platform and Promises
The promises outlined in Gilchrist's campaign materials are specific. In addition to protecting the voting process, he will "stand up" to President Donald Trump's administration and big tech.
"At a time when the big tech companies are becoming more aggressive ... I am uniquely qualified to be able to make sure that they cannot abuse the data that lives in the Michigan Secretary of State's office," Gilchrist said.
In a spirited acceptance speech, Gilchrist said he plans to fight for everyone who has been targeted by the Trump administration.
"Whether you're a Spanish-speaking immigrant, whether you are a Native American school teacher, whether you're a white UAW member, people feel like they've been targeted," he said. "No one will be alone when the Michigan Democratic Party steps up."
Democratic Trifecta
Who does Gilchrist want to work with? Democrats. The party has held the coveted governor, attorney general and secretary of state "trifecta" since 2018.
"Democrats are not suppressing votes," Gilchrist said. "Democrats are not trampling on rights. Democrats are not trying to kick people out of our communities. Democrats see everybody in a way that supports everybody."
Other Candidates Push Back
That didn't stop the candidates from attacking their opponents. Barb Byrum, who is already touting several endorsements, pushed back on the idea that the role could be treated as a fallback.
"The secretary of state's office is not a consolation prize," Byrum wrote. "It is one of the most important positions in state government. It is too important to be anyone's second choice, or a stepping stone to something else."
Suzanna Shkreli, the former lottery commissioner who also previously worked as deputy legal counsel to Whitmer, said much the same: The race is "too important to be a consolation prize," she said in a statement, calling herself "the best candidate to hold this seat come November."
Political Context
The race for secretary of state is particularly significant because Michigan does not select secretary of state nominees through a primary election. Instead, party delegates choose nominees at their respective conventions.
Gilchrist enters the race with several advantages. He is the only Democratic secretary of state candidate who has won a statewide election — albeit as a running mate to Whitmer. He also traveled the state extensively in his 10-month gubernatorial campaign, visiting all 83 counties, something that should prove advantageous in a statewide delegate vote.
At the end of October, he had $378,000 in the bank for his gubernatorial campaign, while Byrum, the next closest candidate, had about $104,000 in cash on hand.
Republican Competition
Several candidates have also jumped in on the Republican side of the race. They include Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, Oakland County GOP delegate Monica Yatooma and Clarkston Schools trustee Amanda Love.
Gilchrist's pivot to the secretary of state race means Jocelyn Benson has a clearer path to the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Benson has raised significantly more than Gilchrist, with about $4.1 million compared to his $1.1 million through the end of October 2025.
Statewide Response
In a post to social media, Benson said she was "thankful for his commitment to Michigan" and would continue to "champion the work he's helped inspire as we build a winning, people-driven campaign for governor."
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson also praised the decision, calling Gilchrist's campaign based on "issues that are vital to the people of Michigan" and asserting his own campaign is "picking up steam."
The Michigan Democratic Party's 2026 state endorsement convention is scheduled for April 19 in Detroit, where delegates will officially select both the Democratic nominee for secretary of state and the party slate for governor and attorney general.