Lansing, Mich. — Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II has taken the first formal step toward running for governor, forming a campaign committee ahead of a highly anticipated announcement in Detroit next Tuesday. While the committee has yet to be publicly listed, Gilchrist’s move signals his intent to enter the 2026 race for governor in what is expected to be a competitive field.
Gilchrist, a Democrat, has not officially declared his candidacy, but his campaign committee formation is seen as a clear indication that he plans to challenge for the state’s top office. If he does join the race, he would add his name to a growing list of contenders, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt. Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has also filed paperwork to run, though he has yet to formally announce his bid.
The race for governor has been wide open since current Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, announced she would not seek re-election due to term limits. Whitmer’s decision has set the stage for a dynamic contest that could reshape Michigan’s political future.
Gilchrist, who made history in 2018 as Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, has long been a prominent figure in the state’s Democratic Party. He and Whitmer were re-elected in 2022 by a wide margin, defeating Republican challengers Tudor Dixon and Shane Hernandez. Gilchrist’s political career, however, has been shaped by more than just his time in office. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in computer engineering and computer science, Gilchrist worked as a software engineer at Microsoft before pivoting to community organizing and politics. His diverse background, blending technology with social justice advocacy, has endeared him to many voters across Michigan.
In the coming months, attention will turn to how Gilchrist positions himself in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Democratic primary. As Michigan’s lieutenant governor, he has worked alongside Governor Whitmer to implement policies aimed at addressing issues like education, infrastructure, and economic recovery. How those policies resonate with voters will likely play a pivotal role in his campaign.
With other high-profile candidates like Benson and Duggan also positioning themselves as potential challengers, Gilchrist’s entry into the race will only further intensify the competition for the state’s top office.
For now, the state’s political watchers will eagerly await Gilchrist’s official announcement next Tuesday in Detroit, where he is expected to outline his vision for Michigan’s future.
