Garlin Gilchrist II entering the 2026 gubernatorial race. Before his career in public service, Gilchrist worked as a software engineer and it's the pitch he said he plans to make to voters during his campaign.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is running for governor, he announced Tuesday, setting up a Democratic primary clash that includes two prominent statewide officeholders in one of the most tightly divided states.

Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Tuesday that he is running to become Michigan‘s first black governor. The campaigns for Michigan’s future political leader come after the November election where the state elected the Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has announced his candidacy for the governor's race. The slate for the 2026 election is already a full one, with several people stating their intentions recently. Gov.

LANSING, MI - Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist is running for governor in 2026. The second-term lieutenant governor talked with MLive about his plans to run ahead of his formal announcement Tuesday morning,

Gilchrist, seeking the Democratic Party nomination, is the third Democrat to enter Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race.

Gilchrist is now one of six running for Michigan’s top office. State House minority leader Eric Nesbit and Genesis County Republican Anthony Hudson of Grand Blanc are running on the Republican side. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.

EXCLUSIVE: The 42-year-old lieutenant governor tells theGrio why he’s the right candidate to take on the “Trump-Musk administration” and lead

"We must stand tall against these attacks on our people," the lieutenant governor said. "We must fight for what matters. We must protect our people."

The crowded race for the governor's mansion will be among the most closely watched contests over the next two years.