Michigan’s Political Landscape Expands with Gilchrist’s Gubernatorial Bid
Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor and a Democrat from Detroit, has officially entered the race for governor in the 2026 election. His candidacy adds to an already crowded field of contenders vying for the state’s top executive position.
Gilchrist, a former software engineer, emerged on the political scene in 2018, partnering with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. His political stature has since grown, benefiting from his association with one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent figures. In a conversation with The Associated Press, Gilchrist emphasized his engineering background, stating, “When you have a problem, an engineer can fix that problem.” He noted his efforts to build connections across all 83 counties in Michigan, a narrative he plans to highlight throughout his campaign.
As a gubernatorial candidate, Gilchrist aims to prioritize affordable housing and enhance access to healthcare, particularly mental health services. He acknowledged the challenges posed by voter dissatisfaction, which played a role in President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, noting Trump’s narrow 1.5-point win in Michigan last fall. “That anger comes from not having results, from things not working,” Gilchrist remarked.
Reflecting on his career, Gilchrist shared his experience of moving to Washington state to work for Microsoft after graduating from the University of Michigan. However, he expressed his commitment to ensuring that Michigan residents can thrive within the state. “I want us to make good choices today so that the people of Michigan know that they can take their next step here,” he stated. “They can build their careers and their families and their futures here.”
Despite his ambitions, Gilchrist will need to navigate his position within the Democratic Party, which held control of the state government from 2022 to 2024. He expressed unwavering support for Governor Whitmer, describing her as an ally and highlighting their collaborative efforts in laying a “really good foundation for the future of the state of Michigan.”
Gilchrist’s political roots trace back to Detroit, Michigan’s largest Democratic stronghold with a predominantly Black population. His potential election would mark a historic milestone as the state’s first Black governor. Before joining Whitmer’s ticket, Gilchrist narrowly lost the 2017 Detroit City Clerk race to incumbent Janice Winfrey.
The path from lieutenant governor to governor in Michigan has historically been challenging, with Republican Brian Calley’s primary loss in 2018 serving as a recent example. Gilchrist enters the Democratic primary alongside Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Governor Whitmer has stated she will not endorse any candidate in the primary.
The eventual Democratic nominee may face a formidable general election. In addition to a Republican challenger — with Republican Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt currently seen as a leading contender — the race may also include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent after departing from the Democratic Party.
