Garlin Gilchrist II

Garlin Gilchrist II received bachelor's degrees in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Michigan in 2005.[1] After graduating, he worked as a software engineer at Microsoft. He then moved to Washington D.C., where he served as the director of new media at the Center for Community Change and as the national campaign director of MoveOn.org. In 2014, he moved back to Detroit to serve as the city's director of innovation & emerging technology.[2]

Secretary of State

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Growing up on the east side of Detroit as a kid who loved computers, I wanted to be a software engineer,- not a politician. So that’s what I did. I graduated from the University of Michigan with two engineering degrees and moved to Seattle to work at Microsoft. I realized with the Obama campaign that activism can go beyond work I had done on campus in college fighting for affirmative action - I could bring my expertise as a software engineer to do something bigger. That’s why I worked at MoveOn.org, organizing progressive values nationwide and ultimately when I came back home to Detroit, I worked in city government and ran for city clerk. Government is the only thing that touches everyone, our ability to do government and systems right matters. As an engineer, nothing fuels me more than making sure systems work. As Lieutenant Governor, I have been to all 83 counties three or more times, leading by listening to Michiganders of all backgrounds about what is in the way of them achieving their full potential right here in Michigan. I am running for Secretary of State because Michigan is ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections. Unlike typical politicians, I refuse to take any corporate PAC money because for far too long dark money and corporate interests have undue influence in our elections. As a software developer, I know how to stand tall against Big Tech companies that try to abuse Michigander’s personal information and modernize systems for licensing and regi

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Michigan's elections belong to Michiganders, not Washington. Garlin will fight every attempt by Trump and MAGA Republicans to interfere with our free and fair elections, block federal overreach into how we vote, and make sure every vote is counted and certified without political interference.Voters deserve to know who's trying to buy influence before they cast a ballot, not after. Garlin will push for campaign finance reform that gives the SOS real authority to hold violators accountable, real-time reporting so all money in politics is exposed before Election Day, and the end of anonymous donations.The data the SOS office has is some of the most sensitive information Michiganders have, and Trump and Big Tech want it. As America's only statewide elected software developer, I will safeguard that data from unauthorized access and breaches, while making the SOS faster and more accessible with more online services and digital driver's licenses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Voting rights is the issue that drew me into this race and the one I care about most. The right to vote isn't just one issue among many, it's the mechanism through which we address every other issue. When people can't vote, or find the process so burdensome that they give up trying, we lose the ability to hold government accountable and to change the systems that aren't working for us. That's true whether we're talking about the quality of our schools, the safety of our water, or the fairness of our economy: none of it gets fixed without a functioning, trusted, accessible system for people to have their say.

Campaign websiteGilchrist's campaign website stated the following:Priorities for MichiganAs 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 II's campaign website (August 27, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads

"Garlin Gilchrist Announces Campaign for Michigan Secretary of State" – Gilchrist campaign ad, released January 11, 2026

View more ads here:

YouTube

Governor

Garlin Gilchrist II did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Garlin Gilchrist II did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Gilchrist's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[15]

Effortless voting

Excerpt: "Long lines at the polls and bad information limit your voice. My plan to address Detroit’s persistent issues at the polls is clear; open new polling places, recast election day poll workers, encourage early absentee voting, and plan for replacing outdated voting machines."

Engage citizens

Excerpt: "Detroit’s City Clerk is Detroit’s Chief Engagement Officer. That is most apparent on Election Day. You deserve to have your voice heard, to be engaged by your city government more than just once or twice a year. You deserve to know more about how your city government operates so you can figure out how you can be engaged."

Accessible city council

Excerpt: "One of the tasks the Detroit City Charter gives the City Clerk is to serve as the official record keeper for the Detroit City Council. While the Charter gives no guidance about how those records are stored and how citizens can see those records, let’s make no mistake that if you are a Detroiter, they are your records."