Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II has won the race for secretary of state, defeating Republican Anthony Forlini and securing a new chapter in his political career.
Gilchrist, who has served alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer since 2019, will transition from Michigan’s second-highest executive office to overseeing statewide elections, driver’s licensing, vehicle registration and other essential government services.
A Detroit native, Gilchrist made history in 2018 when he became Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor. His victory in the secretary of state race continues his career in statewide leadership after serving two terms in the Whitmer administration.
Before entering statewide politics, Gilchrist worked as a software engineer at Microsoft and built a career focused on technology, public policy and government innovation.
Throughout his campaign, Gilchrist emphasized protecting voting rights, strengthening election security, modernizing government services and making state operations more accessible to Michigan residents.
Forlini, a former state representative and Macomb County clerk, campaigned on his experience overseeing elections and improving government accountability.
Gilchrist will succeed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who was term-limited and pursued the Michigan governorship.
His election maintains a prominent Detroit voice in statewide government as Michigan prepares for a new administration in January 2027.
For continuing election coverage and results, visit MichiganChronicle.com/election26.