Garlin Gilchrist (D)
Garlin Gilchrist is a husband, father, engineer, and public servant dedicated to making government work for everyday people. As a proven leader working alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Garlin has helped deliver real results for Michigan – from expanding access to free pre-K and protecting reproductive freedom to strengthening small businesses, reforming the justice system, and connecting tens of thousands of Michiganders to fast, affordable internet. His work reflects a core belief that when government functions well, it creates opportunity and improves lives across the state.
Now running for Secretary of State, Garlin is focused on defending democracy at a moment when free and fair elections are under threat. As the nation’s only statewide elected software engineer, he brings a unique perspective on protecting voter data, modernizing government services, and ensuring elections are secure, accessible, and transparent. Rooted in his Detroit upbringing and guided by a commitment to integrity and public service, Garlin is ready to safeguard the right to vote while building a Michigan where every voice is heard and every community can thrive.
Anthony G. Forlini (R)
Anthony G. Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, has faced scrutiny over his handling of election irregularities. In the August 2024 primary, four St. Clair Shores voters allegedly cast ballots twice – a felony in Michigan. Though state safeguards flagged the problem, a poll worker overrode the system and allowed the votes to count. Forlini defended the response as ‘transparent,’ but critics argue this downplayed the seriousness of the issue and exposed weak oversight under his watch.
While state officials emphasized that Michigan’s safeguards worked and that double voting is exceedingly rare, Forlini’s handling of the incident raised concerns about accountability. His rhetoric on “clean elections” contrasts with the reality that mistakes were allowed to slip through, fueling doubts about whether he would truly prioritize protecting voters and strengthening trust in democracy.