Aghogho Edevbie (D)
Born and raised in Detroit, Aghogho Edevbie is the son of Nigerian immigrants who taught him the value of hard work and civic duty. His father worked 35 years at the Detroit Water Department, and his mother, a dedicated nurse, instilled in him the importance of voting – a lesson passed down from her own father during Nigeria’s first presidential election. Inspired by that legacy, Aghogho became an election protection lawyer while studying law at the University of Michigan, and later led All Voting Is Local in Michigan, helping pass Proposal 2 to expand voting access.
As Deputy Secretary of State, he helped implement those reforms and improve government services, cutting wait times and expanding online access. Now, ranked second in the nation for election administration, Michigan is proof of what people-centered leadership can achieve. Aghogho lives in Detroit with his wife Erin, and is running for Secretary of State to keep fighting for accessible, secure elections – and a democracy that works for everyone.
Barb Byrum (D)
Barb Byrum grew up in a working-class Michigan family, shaped by two of the strongest women in her life – her mother and grandmother – who instilled in her a deep sense of justice from an early age. Even as a child, she pushed for fairness, challenging school policies that excluded girls. She later became a small business owner, where she honed her commitment to customer service and learned to connect with people from all backgrounds.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Barb ran for her State House seat at 28, serving as Caucus Vice Chair and Chair of the Agricultural Committee, where she championed small businesses, reproductive rights, and fair elections. As Ingham County Clerk, she modernized the office, saved taxpayer money, and led Michigan’s first 2016 recount with transparency and speed. Now, Barb is ready to take on election deniers and continue fighting for accessible, accountable government as Secretary of State – protecting rights, strengthening democracy, and delivering excellent service for all Michiganders.