Gilchrist was born on January 25, 1982, in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in computer science and engineering.

Garlin Gilchrist II

Lt. Governor Gilchrist and his wife, Ellen, reside in Detroit where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and daughter, Ruby.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

Garlin Gilchrist II graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in computer science and engineering. He lives in Detroit with his wife, Ellen, and their three children.

Garlin Gilchrist II - Ballotpedia

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II - State of Michigan

He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in computer science and engineering. Before entering politics, he worked as a software engineer and was involved in various community organizations.

Garlin worked as a software engineer before entering politics.

Garlin has worked as a software engineer.

Garlin Gilchrist II is the 48th lieutenant governor of Michigan, serving since January 1, 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

In 2018, Gilchrist ran for lieutenant governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer. They won the election, and Gilchrist became the first African American to hold the office of lieutenant governor in Michigan.

## Garlin Gilchrist

Gilchrist, a Democrat, joined the secretary of state race in January after dropping out of the race for governor. He has served as Michigan’s lieutenant governor since 2019. He also ran for Detroit city clerk in 2017 but  by incumbent Clerk Janice Winfrey.

Proof of citizenship

Michigan will pick a new top election official this year. Here’s where the candidates stand. (Votebeat)

Garlin currently serves as Michigan's lieutenant governor. He was elected in 2018. He previously ran for Detroit city clerk in 2017.

Garlin Gilchrist wins Democratic nomination for secretary of state

Garlin currently serves as Michigan's lieutenant governor. He was elected in 2018. He previously ran for Detroit city clerk in 2017, but did not win. 

2026 Michigan General Election

Nonpartisan

He has led efforts to connect over 27,000 homes and businesses to reliable, affordable fast internet, expand innovation, and make Michigan the best place to have an idea. He embarked on statewide “Thriving Cities” tours visiting communities in every region to hear from Michiganders about the issues that matter. He also served as chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

As your Secretary of State, Garlin will stand tall for our democracy, defend your sacred right to vote, and make government services better, faster, and more convenient.

Fight for more legislative action that shine a light on dark money in our politics.
Modernize licensing and registration by providing smarter, 21st century service.
Stand tall against big tech companies and the Trump administration who want to abuse your personal voter registration information or license-plate data.
Hold accountable companies that rip you off when you get your car fixed.

Garlin Gilchrist for Michigan Secretary of State

Led efforts to connect more than 27,000 homes and businesses to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.

As lieutenant governor, supported projects to "connect over 27,000 homes and businesses to reliable, affordable high-speed internet."

Plans to hold auto-repair companies accountable for consumer harm.

- As lieutenant governor, supported projects to "connect over 27,000 homes and businesses to reliable, affordable high-speed internet."
- Plans to hold auto-repair companies accountable for consumer harm.

Businesses

Gilchrist said that voting is “reserved for citizens” and that anyone who votes despite not being a citizen needs “to be held accountable for that to the fullest extent of the law.” He also noted that “vanishingly few noncitizens … actually cast ballots.”

“As a process person, I want to make sure that we get that number to zero. I also want to make sure that we are focusing on the right things, and that is again making sure we have a good process,” he said. “But frankly, I want to make sure that more eligible voters in Michigan are doing what they need to do so that they can cast ballots.”

“We’re going to continue to make sure that our processes can be safe and secure,” he said. “I want to make sure that we are focused on the right thing. People having confidence in the voting process means that more people will participate in the voting process.”

He pointed to his experience as a computer engineer as an example of making systems work for people.

"I believe that the Secretary of State's office is a critical position in our democracy, and I want to make sure that every Michigander has their voice heard in our elections," Gilchrist said.

Gilchrist leaves Michigan gubernatorial hunt, announces secretary of state bid instead

“Michigan elections are safe and secure,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “We will not tolerate any attempt at interference or intimidation against our independent process. In Michigan, we will continue to follow state law, federal law, and the U.S. Constitution so that every voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard.”

State leaders will protect Michigan elections from interference and delays

Wants to prevent noncitizen voting while increasing participation among eligible Michigan voters.

Plans to maintain secure election processes and increase public confidence in voting.

Pledges to defend voting rights and ensure Michiganders can make their voices heard in elections.

Opposes the use of voter-registration information or license-plate data by big technology companies and the Trump administration.

Said Michigan should prevent election interference and intimidation while following state and federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

- Wants to prevent noncitizen voting while increasing participation among eligible Michigan voters.
- Plans to maintain secure election processes and increase public confidence in voting.
- Pledges to defend voting rights and ensure Michiganders can make their voices heard in elections.
- Opposes the use of voter-registration information or license-plate data by big technology companies and the Trump administration.
- Said Michigan should prevent election interference and intimidation while following state and federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Voting & Elections

“It is also important that we bring the whole range of services provided by the secretary of state’s office to the 21st century, making sure people have good experiences in person at the offices, online by appointment, or drop in,” Gilchrist said. He pointed to the  as an example of something that needs to work to “shine a light on the dark in our politics.”

Advocates for legislative action to increase transparency in political spending.

Plans to modernize licensing and registration services, including in-person and online options.

- Advocates for legislative action to increase transparency in political spending.
- Plans to modernize licensing and registration services, including in-person and online options.

Administration

As of September 4, 2026, Garlin Gilchrist II’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Endorsements

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Bluesky

Said voting is reserved for citizens and that noncitizens who vote should be held accountable under the law.

- Plans to hold auto-repair companies accountable for consumer harm.

- Pledges to defend voting rights and ensure Michiganders can make their voices heard in elections.
- Opposes the use of voter-registration information or license-plate data by big technology companies and the Trump administration.
- Said Michigan should prevent election interference and intimidation while following state and federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Isaac Brickman

Chazzy Bailey

Walter Ley

## Garlin Gilchrist

Gilchrist, a Democrat, joined the secretary of state race in January after dropping out of the race for governor. He has served as Michigan’s lieutenant governor since 2019. He also ran for Detroit city clerk in 2017 but  by incumbent Clerk Janice Winfrey.

Proof of citizenship

Gilchrist said that voting is “reserved for citizens” and that anyone who votes despite not being a citizen needs “to be held accountable for that to the fullest extent of the law.” He also noted that “vanishingly few noncitizens … actually cast ballots.”