Gilchrist leads Forlini by 8 pm in Michigan secretary of state race
The lieutenant governor holds an early advantage against the Macomb County clerk in a contest deciding who will manage the state's 1,500-employee elections office.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
Democratic Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist held an early lead over Republican Anthony Forlini Tuesday night in the race for Michigan secretary of state. Most polling locations closed at 8 p.m., while some precincts in the Upper Peninsula remained open until 9 p.m.
The victor will assume control of an office that manages elections, motor vehicle registrations, and campaign finance. The post currently sits with Democrat Jocelyn Benson, who is term-limited and running for governor. Benson has an early lead in her own race against Republican U.S. Rep. John James.
Both candidates pledged to improve the agency that oversees 131 branches and employs 1,500 staff members. They agreed on the need for greater transparency, better customer service, and modernized campaign finance reporting. The two also concurred that the office must provide stronger support to local election clerks.
Their strategies diverge on how to execute these goals. Forlini, who has served as clerk for Macomb County, the state's third-largest county, since 2021, emphasized his direct experience running elections. Gilchrist, who has served as lieutenant governor for eight years, pointed to his background as a software engineer. He argued that technical expertise allows for more efficient systems and better data protection for residents.
During an October debate, Gilchrist described himself as the state's "chief privacy officer." He said he would resist federal involvement in Michigan elections. Forlini promised to clean the state's voter rolls but declined to give a strict yes or no answer on handing those rolls to the federal government. He stated that clean voter rolls are a mutual goal for state and federal authorities, regardless of which party holds the White House.
Campaign finances show a distinct gap in resources. According to October reports, Gilchrist raised just under $3.1 million this cycle. Forlini raised $810,000. Forlini's tenure has drawn scrutiny because he ordered an independent audit of Macomb County's 2020 election results. Critics argued that audit lent credibility to unfounded conspiracy theories.
Source: Bridge Michigan
