Michigan Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Shifts Campaign Focus to Secretary of State Race
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II has made a significant announcement, revealing his decision to suspend his campaign for governor and instead enter the race for secretary of state in the battleground state. This move comes as a strategic shift in Gilchrist’s political aspirations, aiming to serve the public in a different capacity.
Although Gilchrist did not provide a specific reason for his campaign pivot in his video announcement, he emphasized his continued commitment to public service. By withdrawing from the gubernatorial race, Gilchrist has effectively cleared the path for Jocelyn Benson, the current Secretary of State, who is now the frontrunner in the upcoming elections to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
As Michigan’s top election official, the role of the secretary of state holds significant importance and visibility, particularly following the contentious 2020 presidential election. Gilchrist acknowledged the critical nature of this position, stating, “Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again.”
Despite serving as Whitmer’s lieutenant governor and running mate in two elections, Gilchrist faced challenges in matching Benson’s name recognition and fundraising efforts. With a notable difference in campaign funds, Gilchrist reported approximately $378,000 on hand compared to Benson’s impressive $2.98 million war chest.
Now, Benson is poised to face Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary scheduled for August, following Gilchrist’s departure from the gubernatorial race. Notably, the emergence of prominent independent candidate, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, has introduced a new dynamic in the electoral landscape, prompting discussions within the Michigan Democratic Party.
On the Republican side, the race for the party’s nomination for secretary of state features contenders such as U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt, and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard.
As Gilchrist transitions his focus to the secretary of state position, he will be up against four other Democratic candidates, including Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.
Notably, Michigan does not conduct primary elections for the secretary of state role; instead, the nominee is selected by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is slated for April 19, while Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention on March 28.
With the upcoming elections in November, Michigan voters will have the task of not only selecting a new governor and secretary of state but also choosing a state attorney general and U.S. senator, underscoring the significance of the political landscape in the state.
