Garlin Gilchrist II Enters Michigan’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race
Garlin Gilchrist II, hailing from Detroit and serving as the state’s first Black lieutenant governor, has announced his candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2026 elections. His decision adds another contender to an already competitive race.
With a background in software engineering, Gilchrist transitioned from a relatively unknown political figure to a significant player on the Michigan political stage after teaming up with Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2018. His profile has since grown, benefiting from his close association with one of the Democratic Party’s prominent figures.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Gilchrist emphasized his problem-solving approach, stating, “When you have a problem, an engineer can fix that problem.” He highlighted his connections across Michigan’s 83 counties as part of his campaign narrative.
His gubernatorial platform centers on enhancing affordable housing and improving health care access, with a focus on mental health services. He acknowledged the voter dissatisfaction that contributed to Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, suggesting it stemmed from “a status quo that wasn’t serving them.”
Reflecting on his career journey, including his stint in Washington state with Microsoft, Gilchrist expressed a desire to ensure 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 remarked.
Although Gilchrist has been closely aligned with the Democratic leadership, he praised Whitmer as an ally and credited their administration with establishing a “really good foundation for the future of the state of Michigan.”
Considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, Gilchrist’s support base is bolstered by Detroit, a city with a substantial Black population and a Democratic stronghold. Should he succeed, he would become Michigan’s first Black governor. Despite his political ascent, he faced a setback in 2017 when he narrowly lost the race for Detroit City Clerk to Janice Winfrey.
Historically, Michigan’s lieutenant governors have struggled to ascend to the governorship, with Republican Brian Calley’s primary defeat in 2018 serving as a recent example. Gilchrist is set to compete against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary. Governor Whitmer has stated she will not endorse any candidate.
The eventual Democratic nominee could face a challenging general election, with potential opponents including Republican Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent after previously being affiliated with the Democratic Party.
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