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Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Shifts Campaign Focus to Secretary of State Race
Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his gubernatorial campaign and will instead run for secretary of state, a crucial position in the battleground state ahead of the 2024 elections.
Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit who has served as Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s second-in-command through two elections, made the announcement in a video statement where he emphasized his commitment to public service despite the change in political direction.
“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist stated, highlighting the heightened importance of Michigan’s top election official role in the current political climate.
The secretary of state position has taken on increased visibility and political significance since the 2020 presidential election, particularly in swing states like Michigan where election administration has faced intense scrutiny and controversy.
Gilchrist’s decision effectively streamlines the Democratic gubernatorial primary, benefiting frontrunner Jocelyn Benson, the current Secretary of State. Benson now faces only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the August Democratic primary to replace term-limited Governor Whitmer.
Campaign finance appeared to be a significant factor in Gilchrist’s decision. Reports showed him with approximately $378,000 cash on hand as of October, compared to Benson’s substantial war chest of $2.98 million. The lieutenant governor also faced challenges in matching Benson’s name recognition despite his high-profile position in state government.
The Michigan gubernatorial race has been further complicated by the independent candidacy of former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is bypassing the primary process altogether. The Michigan Democratic Party recently criticized Duggan, a former Democrat, for allegedly failing to take a strong stance against potential policies in a second Trump administration.
On the Republican side, the primary remains crowded with several high-profile contenders vying for the nomination. U.S. Representative John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, and former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard are all competing for Republican support.
Gilchrist’s pivot to the secretary of state race puts him in competition with four other Democrats: Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, former Whitmer aide and Michigan State Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli, and former state Senator Adam Hollier from Detroit.
Unlike other statewide positions, Michigan does not hold primary elections for secretary of state. Instead, the nominees are selected by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party has scheduled its convention for April 19, while Republicans plan to hold theirs on March 28.
The Republican field for secretary of state includes Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini and Oakland County executive Monica Yatooma.
The 2024 election cycle represents a significant moment in Michigan politics, with voters selecting not only a new governor and secretary of state but also a new state attorney general and U.S. senator in November. As a key swing state in presidential elections, the outcomes of these races could have implications that extend beyond Michigan’s borders.
Political analysts note that secretary of state races have gained unprecedented national attention and funding in recent election cycles, reflecting the position’s critical role in election administration during a time of heightened partisan tensions surrounding voting procedures and election integrity.
For Gilchrist, who made history as Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, the shift represents a strategic realignment of his political ambitions while remaining focused on serving in statewide office where his experience in the executive branch could prove valuable.
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8 Comments
Interesting shift in Gilchrist’s campaign focus. The secretary of state role has become increasingly crucial in battleground states like Michigan. Will be important to see how his platform and priorities evolve for this new race.
Agreed. The 2024 elections will put a lot of scrutiny on state election officials, so Gilchrist’s experience and commitment to fair elections could be an asset.
This is an interesting shift for Gilchrist. The secretary of state position has gained a lot more prominence and political significance since the 2020 election. His experience and perspective could be valuable, but he’ll face a tough race in a polarized political environment.
Gilchrist’s decision to run for secretary of state highlights the crucial role that position will play in the 2024 elections, especially in a battleground state like Michigan. It will be worth following his campaign to see how he addresses election integrity and security issues.
Absolutely. The secretary of state role has become a central focus for both parties, so Gilchrist’s approach and messaging will be closely scrutinized.
Michigan is certainly a key state to watch going into 2024. Gilchrist’s decision to run for secretary of state reflects the high stakes involved in that position. It will be worth following his campaign and how he positions himself on election integrity issues.
Absolutely. The secretary of state role has become increasingly politicized, so Gilchrist’s approach and messaging will be closely watched by both parties.
The secretary of state position has taken on heightened importance in recent years, and Gilchrist’s decision to shift his campaign reflects that. Michigan is a key state to watch, so his leadership and vision for election administration will be closely watched.