Michigan’s Secretary of State Race Is Suddenly a Big Deal
by Chris Moyer
At first glance, Michigan’s Secretary of State election might seem like routine statewide politics. But going into 2026, the race has taken on new importance, drawing high-profile entrants, intense attention from party activists, and growing national interest. What was once a typically low-visibility contest has become a key battleground in the fight over election administration and public trust.
Why This Race Matters More Than Ever
The Secretary of State in Michigan is one of the most powerful offices in the state. This official oversees the administration of elections, voter registration systems, campaign finance enforcement, and vehicle and driver services for all residents. In a time when election integrity and administration are front-page concerns nationwide, the person in this role shapes everything from how elections are run to how voters’ data is protected.
Michigan is also a swing state, with a recent history of high turnout and close contests. In 2022, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was re-elected with nearly 56 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Kristina Karamo by a significant margin. That outcome underscored the high stakes of election administration in Michigan.
All of this matters against the backdrop of ongoing national debates about election security, including rhetoric from President Donald Trump and his allies about contesting the results of past elections and proposals to “nationalize” election standards, meaning to impose uniform federal rules for conducting elections nationwide. Those calls have raised fears among some voters and advocates about federal overreach, and made state election roles even more consequential, because most election procedures are set at the state level. State secretaries of state will be central to defending Michigan’s systems against changes imposed externally or through court challenges.
Who Is Running?
Democratic Candidates
Garlin Gilchrist – Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor and former gubernatorial candidate, who shifted into the Secretary of State race early in 2026. His entry immediately boosted the profile of the contest.
Barbara Byrum – Ingham County Clerk with extensive election administration experience, having overseen dozens of local elections.
Suzanna Shkreli – Former Michigan Lottery Commissioner and experienced administrator.
Two earlier Democratic contenders have since withdrawn:
Aghogho Edevbie – Deputy Secretary of State, who exited and endorsed Gilchrist.
Adam Hollier – Former state senator who left the race and is now running for the Michigan State Senate instead.
Republican Candidates
On the GOP side, a competitive field is forming as well:
Anthony Forlini – Macomb County Clerk.
Amanda Love – Clarkston Community Schools trustee.
Monica Yatooma – Strategic partnerships director and GOP organizer.
Timothy Smith – Filed paperwork for the race.
These Republican candidates are working toward their party’s endorsement and a chance to compete in the general election.
How the Nomination Process Works
Michigan uses a party convention system to choose Secretary of State nominees. Instead of a statewide primary ballot, the Democratic and Republican parties hold conventions after the August primary where party delegates vote to select their nominee. Candidates need strong support among party activists and organized backing from unions, local party leaders, and advocacy groups to prevail.
That process means this race is likely to heat up early and stay strategic, requiring candidates to build networks inside their parties while also appealing to broader public concerns about elections and governance.
What Garlin Gilchrist’s Entry Means
Few recent developments have reshaped this race like Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist’s decision to run for Secretary of State. Gilchrist had been pursuing the Democratic nomination for governor, but in January 2026 announced he would instead seek the Secretary of State nomination. His move immediately drew attention and arguably elevated the contest from a middle-tier statewide race to a focal point of the 2026 cycle.
Gilchrist’s entrance also caused some controversy within his own party. Some opponents argue that the office should not be treated as a fallback position for other statewide ambitions, while others say his executive experience and statewide profile make him uniquely suited to protect Michigan’s elections in an era of intense partisan pressure.
Why This Matters in National Context
Recent national political discourse, including comments by President Donald Trump about election processes and suggestions that election administration should be “nationalized” under broader federal standards, has made state-level election leadership even more critical.
While Trump’s proposals don’t currently have the force of law, they reflect a broader push among some national leaders to shift how elections are managed. In that context, state secretaries of state are on the front lines of safeguarding procedures that determine how, when, and where votes are cast and counted.
Michigan’s role in recent national elections, especially in 2020 and again in 2024, has made it a flashpoint. Local officials, including this year’s candidates for Secretary of State, are campaigning not just on administrative competence, but on defending trust in elections against misinformation and external pressure.