Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie announced last week that he would suspend his campaign for Michigan Secretary of State saying he expects Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist to be the party’s nominee for the state’s elections chief.
“I gave this campaign everything I had and because of you I was confident we would emerge from April’s convention as the nominee,” Edevbie said in a video. “However, the Lieutenant Governor’s entry into the race has changed that calculus… I fully expect Garlin Gilchrist to be our nominee.”
Edevbie said he spent the past week evaluating his prospects and searching his heart. He thanked supporters and his campaign team for raising more than $350,000 and over 70 endorsements during his campaign.
Gilchrist dropped out after his campaign couldn’t compete with Democratic frontrunner Jocelyn Benson. Her money advantage was significant, as is the number of Democratic lawmakers and officials getting behind her.
While Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson remains as Benson’s only remaining Democratic challenger, her campaign will have to contend with former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s independent campaign for governor.
Duggan is expected to take some votes away from Benson from Southeast Michigan voters who have watched the city of Detroit improve since municipal bankruptcy.
There are now three remaining candidates running to earn the support of delegates at the April 19 nominating convention to replace outgoing Secretary Benson.
Former Michigan Lottery Commissioner and Whitmer Administration cabinet member Suzanna Shkreli, who told Michigan Chronicle she would bring quicker election results a digital driver’s license and walk-in branch hours for seniors.
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, a former state representative, told Michigan Chronicle she believes Democratic Party voters want someone who can take on Republicans and fight back against attempts to enact stricter voting rights.
Former state Senator Adam Hollier says he would also protect the rights of voters and continue expanding Michigan’s elections as Secretary of State. Party insiders say Hollier has been approached privately to drop his bid to run for the 3rd state Senate district.
The primary winner is chosen in a closed nominating process. Nominees for secretary of state and attorney general are selected by delegates, not voters, at the state party’s nominating convention ahead of the election.
