“Hope is having high expectations in low times,” Lt. Garlin Gilchrist mentioned Tuesday evening at Jam Handy’s. “We’ve seen our share of hard times but Michigan has always been a place where people who worked hard and who took care of each other could make something better. What you cannot do elsewhere, you can do in Michigan. You can even be a tall, skinny Black kid, who becomes Lieutenant Governor.”
The calls were loud, the momentum undeniable. Detroit’s political circles buzzed with speculation that Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist might enter the city’s mayoral race. The idea of a hometown leader, born and raised in the heart of the city, stepping up to lead Detroit felt like a natural next step for many. But Gilchrist had a different path in mind. He wasn’t looking to navigate just one city’s future—he had his eyes set on the entire state of Michigan.
Gilchrist has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Michigan on Tuesday, making clear that his vision extends far beyond city limits. “We’ve made a lot of progress the past six years. But there’s so much more to do,” he stated. As he walked out to F.L.Y.’s Swag Surfin’ his goal was to come with a campaign that is rooted in the work already done, the groundwork already laid, and the pressing need for Michigan’s progress to continue without interruption.
At 6 feet 9 inches, Gilchrist quite literally stands tall, but it’s his record that carries real weight. As an engineer, entrepreneur, and public servant, he has built a career on solving problems. Before stepping into public office, he earned two engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, worked as a software engineer at Microsoft, and launched two successful companies. His approach to governance reflects that background—data-driven, innovation-focused, and results-oriented.
His most important job, he emphasizes, is being a husband to Ellen and a father to their three children, all of whom attend public schools. This connection to Michigan’s education system isn’t symbolic—it’s personal. “As a dad with three kids in public schools, I’m committed to building an economy where every family has what they need to succeed so our children can follow their dreams right here in Michigan,” Gilchrist shared.
Gilchrist believes that his track record as Lieutenant Governor speaks for itself. Working alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer, he has helped deliver free pre-K for all, supported small business growth, diversified Michigan’s economy, protected reproductive rights, reformed the criminal justice system, and expanded broadband access to ensure tens of thousands of residents have reliable, affordable internet. The policies weren’t just signed into law—they were designed with communities in mind, with tangible outcomes shaping lives in Detroit and across the state.
Now, Gilchrist is running to continue that work. “My goal for Michigan is that we lead the nation in innovation and creating jobs of the future for everyone,” he stated. The contrast between Gilchrist’s leadership style and those of his potential opponents couldn’t be more stark. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are breaking commitments to our state and attacking Michiganders every day. As governor, I’ll protect our rights and stand up for the families, workers, and businesses that keep our economy strong.”
The competition is already taking shape. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have entered the race. Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is in the mix, while Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is making a bid as an independent. But Gilchrist’s appeal cuts across the political spectrum—his ability to turn policy into results makes him a formidable contender.
His approach to governance isn’t theoretical. It’s tested and proven. Before his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Gilchrist worked as Detroit’s Director of Innovation, where he developed the Improve Detroit smartphone app. The platform allows residents to report city issues like potholes, damaged street signs, and water problems—giving people direct access to solutions rather than leaving them to navigate bureaucratic dead ends.
His leadership also extended into criminal justice reform. “I saw a criminal justice system holding people back, so I started the Clean Slate program to help those who’ve paid their debts get back on their feet,” he stated. This program has helped thousands clear their records, opening doors to employment, housing, and stability that were previously out of reach.
His economic policies reflect a commitment to equity and sustainability. “I saw tech startups leaving, so I launched the Michigan Innovation Fund and turned our state into the #1 startup ecosystem in the nation,” he explained. That initiative wasn’t just about attracting high-profile tech companies—it was about creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, for small business owners, for the people historically locked out of Michigan’s economic growth.
Housing affordability has also been a central focus. “I saw too many families who couldn’t afford housing, so I pushed funding into a housing trust fund resulting in 50,000 new homes in the last two years,” he stated. It’s one thing to identify a problem, another to provide solutions—and even rarer to see those solutions implemented on this scale.
Gilchrist’s campaign isn’t just about maintaining momentum—it’s about expanding it. “Let’s stand tall for Michigan,” he declared, standing before a packed crowd at Detroit’s Jam Handy. The venue, steeped in history, felt fitting for a candidate on the brink of making history himself. If elected, Gilchrist would become Michigan’s first Black governor and the first former lieutenant governor to ascend to the state’s top office in over 40 years.
That milestone isn’t lost on him. There are only three Black governors in the nation. If he crosses that finish line, he’ll be among the history makers, again. His presence on the ballot is not just about representation—it’s about reimagining what leadership looks like in Michigan.
Gilchrist shared with the Michigan Chronicle that Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, one of those three Black governors, has been a source of insight and encouragement. “Real leaders find solutions that improve the lives of the people they serve instead of just looking out for themselves,” Gilchrist noted. That philosophy has shaped his entire approach to public service.
There is no question that this campaign will test Gilchrist’s ability to connect with voters statewide. While his roots in Detroit are well-known, he must now convince residents from Grand Rapids to Traverse City that his leadership extends beyond the Motor City. But he has done it before. When he first ran alongside Whitmer in 2018, many doubted whether a Black man from Detroit could help deliver a statewide win. Twice, they proved those doubts wrong.
His ability to speak to the concerns of working families, small business owners, and everyday Michiganders will be critical in this race. His background in technology and engineering allows him to approach policy from a problem-solving lens. His record in government shows he can turn ideas into action. His identity as a father raising children in Detroit public schools keeps him grounded in the reality that policies affect real people.
Standing on that stage in Detroit, Gilchrist wasn’t just announcing a campaign. He was reaffirming his commitment to the people of Michigan. “So let’s make the dream of health and wealth a reality for every Michigander,” he said. “You show me a problem, I’ll find you a solution. And if I can’t find one, I’ll build one.”
The road to the governor’s mansion won’t be easy. But if history is any indication, Gilchrist is more than prepared for the challenge. The question now isn’t whether he can stand tall for Michigan. It’s whether Michigan is ready to stand with him.
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