Politics & Government

Michigan Democrats Endorse Gilchrist for Secretary of State, Savit for AG

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and prosecutor Eli Savit win party backing at record-breaking Detroit convention with over 7,000 delegates.

Denise Calloway
Denise CallowayStaff Reporter
Published April 20, 2026, 3:00 AM GMT+2
Michigan Democrats Endorse Gilchrist for Secretary of State, Savit for AG - Wikimedia Commons
Michigan Democrats Endorse Gilchrist for Secretary of State, Savit for AG - Wikimedia Commons

DETROIT, MICHIGAN β€” Michigan Democratic Party members endorsed Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general during a convention in Detroit on Sunday.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said Sunday’s convention was the biggest in the party’s history, with more than 7,000 delegates in attendance. The candidates will receive official nominations at a later convention scheduled for August.

Contested Secretary of State Race

The secretary of state race proved contentious among Democratic candidates. Also seeking the endorsement were Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and former Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Shkreli made pointed remarks to delegates before voting Sunday, telling them she’s not the daughter of a politician – a reference to Byrum’s mother, former MSU Trustee Diane Byrum, who also served in the Michigan House and Senate. Shkreli also said the job isn’t her second choice, referencing Gilchrist ending his campaign for governor to instead run for secretary of state.

Despite the competitive field, Gilchrist secured the party’s endorsement and emphasized the broad scope of the secretary of state’s office during his remarks.

Gilchrist Focuses on Inclusive Vision

“How this office sees you, how this office accepts you, how this office treats you will either make you feel like you’re a part of something special, or that you are small and need to be left alone,” Gilchrist said. “I want every person to be and feel welcome. To be a part of something that’s bigger than any one of us.”

Gilchrist noted that the secretary of state’s office touches numerous aspects of people’s lives, from driver’s licenses to accessing state parks. His endorsement sets up a general election matchup against Republican nominee Anthony Forlini.

Republican Opposition Already Set

Michigan Republicans endorsed their candidates during a convention last month. Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini received the GOP endorsement for secretary of state, while Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd was endorsed for attorney general.

Both the Michigan Democratic Party and Michigan Republican Party hold early endorsement conventions to give candidates more time to focus on the general election campaign before the August nominating conventions make the selections official.

The endorsements position both parties’ preferred candidates for what are expected to be competitive statewide races in Michigan’s 2026 elections.

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