March 12, 2025 Story by: Editor
Garlin Gilchrist II (D), Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, officially announced his candidacy for governor on Tuesday.
A former software engineer, Gilchrist first entered politics in 2018 when he ran alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D). In his campaign launch video, he shared his motivation for moving from technology into public service.
“That’s why I became an engineer. It’s why I went into public service, and that’s why I’m running for governor of the state of Michigan,” he said, explaining how his work at Microsoft inspired him to use technology to improve government efficiency in Detroit and enhance people’s lives.
Gilchrist is the third Democrat to enter the race to succeed Whitmer, who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have also announced their campaigns. If elected, Gilchrist would make history as the state’s first Black governor.
Throughout his announcement, he highlighted key achievements from his tenure with Whitmer, including the Clean Slate program for criminal justice reform and the Michigan Innovation Fund, which supports tech startups.
Gilchrist also criticized the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency for their policies, saying:
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are breaking commitments to our state and attacking Michiganders every day,” he said. “As governor, I’ll protest our rights and stand up for the families, workers, and businesses that keep our economy strong.”
He further emphasized the importance of leadership that prioritizes public welfare, stating:
“Real leaders find solutions that improve the lives of the people they serve instead of just looking out for themselves. So, let’s make the dream of health and wealth a reality for every Michigander.”
Speaking to The Associated Press before his official announcement, Gilchrist stressed that his engineering background would play a central role in his campaign approach.
“When you have a problem, an engineer can fix that problem,” he said. “That’s a story that I’m going to tell.”
He outlined plans to expand affordable housing, enhance healthcare services, and improve mental health care across the state.
Seen as a rising figure in the Democratic Party, Gilchrist praised Whitmer’s leadership, stating that she had built a strong foundation for Michigan’s future.
However, whoever secures the Democratic nomination will face a challenging election, as Trump narrowly flipped Michigan in last November’s general election.
Source: The Hill
