Garlin Gilchrist withdraws from Michigan governor race to run for Secretary of State

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced he will not seek the governorship and has declared his candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State, citing plans to modernize licensing, protect data privacy and increase election transparency.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced a change in his political plans, saying he will not continue his bid for governor and instead is running for Secretary of State. He framed his decision as a continuation of public service and outlined priorities for the Secretary of State office. Gilchrist had previously declared a run for governor in March 2025 in what he described as a crowded field. The Secretary of State role in Michigan oversees elections as well as motor vehicle and driver licensing services. Key facts: - Gilchrist publicly declared his candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State and withdrew from the governor's race. - In his announcement, he said he would "shine a light on dark money," modernize licensing and registration, and protect privacy of identity, voter registration and license plate data. - He first announced an intention to run for governor in March 2025, when the field included multiple contenders. - Gilchrist serves as Michigan's lieutenant governor alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited in her current role according to the report. - Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is also term-limited in that office and is running for governor, creating an open contest for Secretary of State. - Gilchrist’s background includes engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, work as a software engineer at Microsoft, public service in Detroit, and a family life in Detroit with his wife and three children. Summary: Gilchrist has shifted his campaign focus from the governor's contest to the Michigan Secretary of State race and has set out priorities that include election transparency, service modernization, and data privacy. Undetermined at this time.