Please pardon my propensity to be provocative about political processes, but…
As Michigan prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race and Detroit inches toward another mayoral election in 2025, many political observers are asking whether Garlin Gilchrist II, the state’s current Lieutenant Governor, should make a bid for the governor’s office or run for mayor of Detroit. While both races seem far away (Nov. 2025 for Detroit mayoral election and Nov. 2026 for the governor election), campaign season for each seat has already begun.
Gilchrist, who has built a unique and impactful career in Michigan politics, is considered by many to be one of the state’s most prominent political figures. His tenure as lieutenant governor, his historic appointment, and his intense campaigning efforts for Vice President Kamala Harris in Detroit during the summer of 2024 all contribute to his growing stature among voters.
But with so much on the table, and so much of Michigan’s political landscape hanging in the balance with the Detroit mayoral race of 2025 and the Michigan gubernatorial race in 2026, it’s important to examine the pros and cons of Gilchrist running for governor or mayor of Detroit, analyze his growing political influence, and assess his chances in both races.
Gilchrist’s Historic Appointment as Lt. Governor
Garlin Gilchrist’s rise to the position of Michigan’s lieutenant governor was a historic moment in the state’s political history. In 2018, he became the first African American to be elected as Michigan’s lieutenant governor, alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who was also elected that year. His appointment was groundbreaking not just because of his race, but also because of his background in technology, entrepreneurship, activism, and public service.
Before stepping into state politics, Gilchrist had been a prominent figure in the tech and civic engagement sectors, working as a software engineer and community organizer. His combination of technical expertise and passion for social justice made him a natural fit for Whitmer’s administration, which sought to push progressive agendas in areas such as economic development, education, and infrastructure.
In the years since his appointment, Gilchrist has proven to be an effective lieutenant governor. He has been deeply involved in advancing the Whitmer administration’s priorities, including work on broadband expansion, workforce development, and climate change initiatives. His efforts to promote equitable access to technology, particularly in underserved communities, have earned him praise both within Michigan and across the nation.
But while his tenure as lieutenant governor has been impressive, it has also left many wondering about his future. Will Gilchrist seek to build on the momentum of his tenure and run for the state’s highest office, or will he focus on the challenges facing Detroit, where he has strong personal and political ties? After all, while he’s been a history-making politician, he’d have to rely on setting history again. Only one previous lieutenant governor in Michigan’s history (Gov. John Swainson, 1961-1963) has been elected by the people to serve as governor prior to first being appointed to the office because of a death or resignation by the sitting governor.
Gilchrist’s Summer 2024 Campaign Efforts for Kamala Harris
One of the most visible aspects of Gilchrist’s political career in 2024 was his active role in campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris during the summer. As the Biden-Harris ticket shifted to the Harris-Walz ticket and campaigned heated up for the 2024 presidential election, Detroit became a focal point, with Harris making multiple stops in the city to energize voters and secure Michigan’s crucial electoral votes.
Gilchrist’s involvement in the campaign was notable for several reasons. First, as Michigan’s lieutenant governor, he had access to the state’s political infrastructure, which allowed him to organize and galvanize local communities, particularly in Detroit. But more importantly, Gilchrist’s deep connections to the city, and his personal rapport with Detroiters, gave him a unique advantage in engaging voters.
Throughout the summer, Gilchrist’s tireless work on behalf of the Harris campaign earned him significant favor among Detroit voters, many of whom have long been loyal to the Democratic Party but are also acutely aware of their city’s challenges. Whether it was rallying support for Harris’s initiatives or championing issues such as economic opportunity, healthcare, and public safety, Gilchrist’s presence in Detroit helped strengthen his political ties with the city’s residents.
He was present for union rallies, cookouts, development announcements, and with special interest groups who were pushing for Harris’ election. He was in schools, churches, and weekend hangout spots across the city. He got crucial facetime with residents all across the city, as his six-foot eight-inch frame became a fixture at local gathering places in Detroit.
Detroit Voters and Gilchrist’s Popularity
Detroit, the state’s largest city and an economic powerhouse, has long been a Democratic stronghold, but it also has a unique political landscape. Detroiters are not easily swayed by political elites; they want leadership that can address their specific needs. This is where Gilchrist’s personal and political connection to the city becomes crucial.
While Michigan’s urban centers, particularly Detroit, have traditionally been more progressive, there has been a growing sense of frustration among residents over issues such as poverty, public education, crime, and housing. The city has also experienced a level of political disillusionment, with residents beyond downtown left wondering whether their concerns are truly being heard by those in power.
Gilchrist’s engagement with Detroit’s political base during his time as lieutenant governor, particularly his leadership in addressing issues like broadband access in underserved communities, positions him as a candidate who not only understands the city’s challenges but is also committed to addressing them. His visibility in Detroit, especially during the 2024 campaign, has further endeared him to many voters. But as a Detroit resident whose children attend school in Detroit, he’s in tune with these issues.
If he runs for mayor of Detroit, Gilchrist’s strong personal ties to the city, his reputation as a policy-focused leader, and his proven ability to mobilize voters could make him a formidable contender. However, if he opts to run for governor, his statewide experience and the broader platform that comes with the office could appeal to voters looking for a leader who can build on the state’s progress under the Whitmer administration.
Running for Mayor of Detroit
The mayoral race in Detroit offers a unique opportunity for Gilchrist to capitalize on his popularity among city residents. As mayor, Gilchrist would have the chance to address some of Detroit’s most pressing issues, including economic revitalization, crime reduction, education reform, and affordable housing. His deep understanding of Detroit’s demographic and socioeconomic makeup could help him craft policies that speak directly to the needs of the city’s most vulnerable communities.
Moreover, his success in working with the Whitmer administration to implement statewide initiatives has demonstrated that Gilchrist is not only capable of leading at the state level but also understands the complexities of governance at the local level. In a city like Detroit, where political leadership has historically been defined by larger-than-life figures, a mayoral run by Gilchrist could signal a new chapter of pragmatic, inclusive leadership.
However, running for mayor also comes with its challenges. The city of Detroit, despite recent growth, still grapples with significant structural issues. As mayor, Gilchrist would face the daunting task of balancing the need for continued development with the demand for social equity. Further, Detroit has a rich political tradition, and any mayoral race is likely to see a diverse pool of candidates vying for attention.
There’s also the possibility of a looming financial crisis for the city. For the past four years, Detroit has implemented programs that have been largely funded by federal dollars from the American Resue Plan Act (ARPA). Detroit received $827 million in pandemic relief funds, the fifth-largest share of federal dollars behind New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. The city has spent half of the funds, and the rest must be spent by the end of 2026 or returned to the federal government. While it’s almost certain that the money will be spent, the city will have to make some decisions about which programs it will continue to fund once the money runs out.
ARPA funds have been spent on blight remediation and demolition, Skills for Life job training, Renew Detroit home repair, basement flooding protection program, Community Health Corps, foreclosure prevention outreach and eviction defense, tree removal, alley cleanup, streetscape projects, the Joe Louis Greenway, recreation center upgrades, and more, and part of the next mayor’s job will be to determine where the money will come from to continue certain projects.
Running for Governor of Michigan
On the other hand, if Gilchrist opts to run for governor, he would be seeking to build on the momentum of his tenure as lieutenant governor. While Michigan has been experiencing political stability – and growth – under Governor Whitmer, the gubernatorial race will be wide open in 2026 as Whitmer can’t run for re-election due to term limitations.
As governor, Gilchrist would have the chance to influence state policies on a much larger scale. His progressive vision for Michigan, which includes expanding economic opportunity, fighting climate change, and improving access to education, aligns with many of the values held by Michigan voters. His leadership in the Whitmer administration, combined with his strong relationships with Detroit’s political and community leaders, would position him as a serious contender for the state’s highest office.
Moreover, his campaign efforts in Detroit and his visibility during the 2024 presidential campaign further solidify his potential to carry the city’s strong Democratic vote in a statewide election. Detroit remains a key player in Michigan’s political landscape, and Gilchrist’s close ties to the city would help him garner significant support in both urban and suburban areas across the state. He’s also established a rapport with voters in other large cities around the state, including Grand Rapids, Flint, and, of course, Lansing. He could face some formidable Democratic candidates, though, as it’s also likely that Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson could run, as well as former presidential candidate and current U.S. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Other names that have been mentioned are Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Speaker of the House Joe Tate, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, and Genessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Ultimately, whether Garlin Gilchrist should run for Michigan Governor or Detroit Mayor depends on his political aspirations, his potential opposition in future elections, and his long-term vision for Michigan’s future. As a talented, charismatic, and well-connected leader, he could make a strong case for either position.
If Gilchrist runs for mayor, his deep roots in Detroit and his progressive vision for the city could make him a transformative figure for Detroit, helping the city continue its path toward returning to its historic roots as a national economic powerhouse. If he runs for governor, his experience at the state level, combined with his widespread popularity, would make him a formidable contender capable of leading Michigan into the next era of economic and social progress.
Regardless of his decision, Garlin Gilchrist’s future in Michigan politics is bright. Whether in Detroit or Lansing, his leadership has the potential to shape the state for years to come. But with other names already having surfaced, and their respective campaigns picking up steam, his time to make a decision is inching near, even if his decision is to make a run at both offices.
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